NBA roundup: Anthony Edwards, Wolves edge Nuggets
Sat Nov 2 2:27am ET
Field Level Media
Anthony Edwards scored 29 points and shot 7-for-14 from 3-point range as the Minnesota Timberwolves escaped with a 119-116 win over the Denver Nuggets on Friday night in Minneapolis.
Julius Randle added 23 points, seven assists and six rebounds for Minnesota, which earned its third win in the past four games. Rudy Gobert notched 17 points and 14 rebounds.
Aaron Gordon scored a game-high 31 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for Denver. Nikola Jokic had 26 points, 13 assists and nine rebounds, and Michael Porter Jr. also logged 26 points.
Denver played down the stretch without guard Jamal Murray, who left in the third quarter after colliding with Randle. Murray was placed in the concussion protocol, the Nuggets said. He finished with six points, three assists and two rebounds in 22 minutes as the Nuggets' two-game winning streak ended.
Celtics 124, Hornets 109
Jayson Tatum scored 32 points and Jaylen Brown pumped in 25 as Boston fended off host Charlotte.
Derrick White added 17 points as the Celtics responded from their overtime loss at Indiana on Wednesday -- their only setback this season. Tatum also pulled in 11 rebounds.
LaMelo Ball racked up 31 points and four assists to lead the Hornets, and Tre Mann had 23 points. The game pitted first-year Hornets coach Charles Lee against the team he helped guide to an NBA title as an assistant coach last season.
Thunder 137, Trail Blazers 114
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recorded 30 points, seven rebounds and six assists as unbeaten Oklahoma City blitzed host Portland.
Jalen Williams added 22 points, five rebounds, four assists and four steals as the Thunder won their fifth straight game to open the season. Oklahoma City has won 13 consecutive games against the Trail Blazers.
Jerami Grant had 17 points and Deandre Ayton and Rayan Rupert added 14 apiece for Portland, which has started the season with four losses in six games.
Cavaliers 120, Magic 109
Darius Garland scored 25 points and Donovan Mitchell added 22 as Cleveland knocked off visiting Orlando to remain unbeaten .
Cleveland has won its first six games to start the season, matching the franchise's best start since 2016-17. Evan Mobley had 14 points and 12 rebounds.
Orlando, who trailed by as many as 22 points in the third quarter, lost its second straight game despite getting a career-high 28 points from Jalen Suggs. The Magic were without All-Star forward Paolo Banchero, who sustained a torn right oblique in a loss to the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.
Knicks 128, Pistons 98
Jalen Brunson poured in 36 points in the first three quarters and New York beat host Detroit for the 16th straight time.
Brunson made 14 of 22 field goal attempts and added five assists. Karl-Anthony Towns, who scored 44 points against Miami on Wednesday, supplied 21 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. OG Anunoby also had 21 points with six assists.
The Pistons were coming off their first victory of the season, a road win at Philadelphia. Cade Cunningham led them on Friday with 22 points, six rebounds and six assists.
Kings 123, Hawks 115
De'Aaron Fox scored a game-high 31 points to help Sacramento defeat host Atlanta, which lost its fourth game in a row.
DeMar DeRozan added 27 points, while Domantas Sabonis tallied 15 points, 14 rebounds and six assists for the Kings, who won their third straight. Keegan Murray chipped in 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Trae Young led Atlanta with 25 points and 12 assists, while Garrison Mathews scored 23 points off the bench.
Nets 120, Bulls 112
Cam Thomas scored 32 points to continue his strong start as Brooklyn made enough plays down the stretch to beat Chicago in New York.
Thomas scored at least 30 for the third time in Brooklyn's initial six games and delivered down the stretch as the Nets outscored the Bulls 16-8 in the final six-plus minutes.
Nikola Vucevic collected 28 and 11 rebounds for the Bulls, who dropped their third straight game. LaVine and Coby White added 21 apiece for Chicago, which shot 6-for-23 from the floor in the fourth, including 2-of-11 from 3-point range.
Lakers 131, Raptors 125
Anthony Davis had 38 points and 11 rebounds and LeBron James added 27 points, six rebounds and 10 assists as Los Angeles held off host Toronto.
Austin Reaves scored 20 points and D'Angelo Russell contributed 19 points for the Lakers, who had lost their two previous games to start a five-game road trip, their first of the season.
RJ Barrett had 33 points and 12 assists for the Raptors, who have lost four in a row. Gradey Dick added a career-best 31 points and Jakob Poeltl had 19 points, 12 rebounds and six assists.
Pelicans 125, Pacers 118
Zion Williamson scored 34 points and handed out 10 assists, Brandon Ingram scored 26 points and short-handed New Orleans defeated visiting Indiana.
Jordan Hawkins scored 23 points for the Pelicans, who played without four of their top players -- Dejounte Murray (hand surgery), CJ McCollum (adductor), Herbert Jones (shoulder) and Trey Murphy III (hamstring).
Ben Sheppard scored 20 points, Bennedict Mathurin had 19 and Pascal Siakam added 16 as the Pacers lost for the fourth time in five games.
- NBA roundup: Anthony Edwards, Wolves edge Nuggets
- 76ers All-Stars Joel Embiid, Paul George practice, still not game-ready
- Pelicans' CJ McCollum, Herbert Jones nursing injuries
- NBA roundup: Spurs' Victor Wembanyama tallies 5x5 vs. Jazz
- Magic’s Paolo Banchero out indefinitely with oblique injury
- NBA roundup: Pascal Siakam's 3 pushes Pacers past Celtics in OT
- Lakers' LeBron James (illness) probable in return to Cleveland
- Raptors' Scottie Barnes has orbital bone fracture, out 3 weeks
- Bulls G Lonzo Ball (wrist) sidelined at least 10 days
- NBA roundup: Nuggets outlast Nets for 2nd straight OT win
- Jazz F Lauri Markkanen (back) listed as day-to-day
- Bulls G Lonzo Ball (wrist) out at least four games
- Hawks G Bogdan Bogdanovic (hamstring) out at least a month
- Warriors F Andrew Wiggins (back) out vs. Pelicans
- 76ers fined $100k for misleading statements on Joel Embiid status
- Raptors exercise options for Ochai Agbaji, Gradey Dick
- Lakers C Christian Koloko cleared to return
- Rudy Gay retires after 17 seasons with five NBA teams
- NBA roundup: Magic's Paolo Banchero pours in 50 vs. Pacers
- Jazz F Taylor Hendricks fractures fibula, dislocates ankle
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) has yet to play this season. As a result, tensions have been high in recent interactions between the media and some members of the team. However, it reached a boiling point on Saturday after the Sixers loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, with ESPN's Shams Charania reporting that Embiid got into an "altercation" with Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes. The 2023 MVP confronted Hayes, reportedly taking issue with a recent column that made mention of Embiid's deceased brother while also referencing his son. As expected, it didn't sit well with Embiid, resulting a verbal confrontation followed by the multi-time All-Star allegedly "shoving" Hayes before both were eventually separated. The league has already launched an investigation, although it's unknown if Embiid will be punished for the incident.
Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (knee) is questionable for Sunday's matchup with the Dallas Mavericks. Carter is dealing with a knee issue, keeping him off the floor for Friday's loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. With Goga Bitadze (foot) also sidelined for that one, Moritz Wagner got the start, finishing with 14 points, five boards, and two steals. If Carter and Bitadze remain out on Sunday, Wagner will be worth streaming in all fantasy formats.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (ankle) was diagnosed with a sprained right ankle, an injury he sustained during the October 30 meeting with the Brooklyn Nets. He is considered "week-to-week." Smart is no stranger to injury, with the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year appearing in just 20 games in his first season with the Grizzlies in 2023-24. Of course, it's not an ideal scenario for the team, especially with Desmond Bane (oblique) also sidelined for the foreseeable future. But in the meantime, Jaylen Wells, Santi Aldama, and Scotty Pippen Jr. should continue to benefit from a production standpoint, so fantasy managers can consider each player for streaming purposes until Smart or Bane are back on the floor.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Desmond Bane (oblique) was diagnosed with a right oblique strain. He is considered "week-to-week." The 26-year-old has averaged 18.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.0 steals while shooting 40.6% from behind the arc this season. Of course, this is a tough blow for the Grizzlies, although it is magnified, considering Bane hasn't played more than 58 games in each of the last two seasons. With Marcus Smart (ankle) sidelined as well moving forward, the team will turn to Jaylen Wells and Santi Aldama to fill the void, with the duo combining for 25 points and 18 rebounds in Saturday's win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Fantasy managers can look in their direction while Bane and Smart are on the shelf. The same can be said for Scotty Pippen Jr., who had 12 points and 13 assists off the bench on Saturday.
Phoenix Suns guard/forward Bradley Beal (elbow) will play on Saturday versus the Portland Trail Blazers. He's missed the last two games because of a sprained right elbow. As a result, Ryan Dunn got the start, most recently scoring 16 points in Thursday's win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Fantasy managers can get Beal back in the starting lineup. However, Dunn's upside is capped with his return to the bench.
Brooklyn Nets utility man Ben Simmons (back) is questionable for Sunday's contest versus Detroit. It's the first of back-to-back outings for Brooklyn, so if Simmons plays against the Pistons, he likely won't be out there on Monday against the Grizzlies. The 28-year-old started in all five of his appearances this season. But he hasn't been productive, averaging 6.2 points, 6.2 assists, and 6.0 rebounds. With Nicolas Claxton returning to form after battling a hamstring injury to begin the year, Simmons will likely return to the bench. However, no matter his role, he hasn't been a reliable starting option for fantasy managers.
Indiana Pacers center Isaiah Jackson (Achilles) is done for the season after suffering an injury during Friday's game. Jackson suffered a torn right Achilles tendon which was a non-contact play during Friday's loss. Fellow big man James Wiseman (Achilles) suffered a season-ending injury on Opening Night. The Pacers have now lost two big men what seems like only a handful of games. That leaves Obi Toppin and Jarace Walker as the primary big men behind Myles Turner. Toppin hasn't been great this season, but is worth looking at with the Pacers extremely shorthanded now. He's averaging 10.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists across 20 minutes per game and his playing time is only going to increase now.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (arm) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Saturday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Simons fell on his arm during Friday's loss, but it seems like it was a minor issue. Simons appears to be fine and should play his normal workload on Saturday. He put together his worst performance of the season on Friday, but has been solid outside of that. Fantasy managers should go ahead and get him back in their lineups for this one.
Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (back) is back in the starting five ahead of Saturday's game against the Houston Rockets. Wiggins will make his return to the court after missing each of the last two games due to a lower back strain. His return will push Lindy Waters III to the bench, which will certainly hurt his streaming value. The Warriors are without Stephen Curry (ankle) so Wiggins should be asked to do more on offense. Fantasy managers can go ahead and get Wiggins active in their lineups on Saturday.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) has been cleared to play ahead of Saturday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. As expected, Antetokounmpo will play despite dealing with a knee issue. The Bucks continue to list him as probable, but Antetokounmpo has suited up every game this season. He has finished with a double-double every game with over 22 points in each of the first six games. Fantasy managers can go ahead and get Antetokounmpo active in their lineups.
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (concussion) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's game against the Utah Jazz. This doesn't come as much of a shock after Murray was forced to exit early during Friday's game. He's currently in the league's concussion protocol, which could mean he misses a few games. The Nuggets haven't named the replacement for Murray, but Russell Westbrook figures to be the most likely candidate. Westbrook is a hit-or-miss type of fantasy players, but fantasy managers in need of help should look his way on Saturday.
Sacramento Kings forward Doug McDermott will move into the starting five ahead of Saturday's game against the Toronto Raptors. The veteran forward will get the starting nod with Kevin Huerter (illness) unable to play. Keon Ellis figured to get the start, but the Kings decided to go with McDermott. Normally, McDermott isn't a great fantasy option off the bench, but he could be more effective with extended run. He should be able to provide reliable shooting from beyond the arc.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Caris LeVert (knee) won't play in Saturday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. LeVert is dealing with knee soreness. However, it's more likely he's getting a night off, considering he logged 22 minutes on Friday against the Orlando Magic. The 30-year-old has averaged 12.0 points and 4.3 assists this season. He's also shot an impressive 52.4% from behind the arc. With Max Strus (ankle) on the shelf, LeVert has been a vital piece of the Cavs rotation. But without him, Ty Jerome and Sam Merrill could benefit the most versus Milwaukee.
Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (pelvis) won't play in Saturday's game against the Sacramento Kings. The former Knick is moving in the right direction, although he continues to deal with the residual effects of the hard fall he took in the opener. Davion Mitchell, averaging 9.0 points, 6.6 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in five starts this season, will continue to fill the void in the starting lineup. Mitchell should remain a viable fantasy streaming option for Saturday night. That may extend to Monday if Quickley isn't ready to get back on the floor.
Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Huerter (illness) won't play on Saturday in Toronto. The 26-year-old struggled in Friday's win over the Hawks, amassing 10 points and shooting 2-for-8 from behind the arc. He's under the weather, so his next chance to get back on the floor will be on Monday in Miami. But until then, Keon Ellis will likely slide into the starting lineup. Ellis averaged 8.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.7 while shooting 40.4% from deep in 21 starts last season, giving him some upside for fantasy managers in need of a streaming option.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (ankle) remains out on Saturday versus the Houston Rockets. However, the multi-time All-Star is moving in the right direction. He participated in Saturday's shootaround, and the Warriors report he will be re-evaluated on Sunday. Curry has been out of the equation since suffering a sprained ankle in a recent matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers, keeping him off the floor for Golden State's previous two contests. It looks like Curry could be back soon. But until he returns, Brandin Podziemski, averaging 16.0 points, 6.0 assists, 5.5 rebounds, 1.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals in two appearances with the first five, is a must-start in all fantasy formats.
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (back) won't play against the Nuggets on Saturday. The 27-year-old exited Tuesday's game versus the Kings and didn't suit up on Thursday against the visiting Spurs. He was listed as doubtful heading into this one. But now that Markkanen is officially sidelined, his next chance to suit up will be on Monday in Chicago. Kyle Filipowski, who got the start on Thursday, finished with 12 points, five rebounds, and one assist. Yet, since Jordan Clarkson (foot) is also sidelined, Filipowski could see more chances on the offensive end. He may also get more minutes.
Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (hip) won't play on Saturday against Charlotte. The Celtics and Hornets met on Friday night, the first of back-to-back games between the clubs, with Brown finishing the night by scoring 25 points, adding six rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block. He's bothered by a hip flexor strain, so fantasy managers will need to wait and see if he'll play on Monday in Atlanta. But without Brown in the mix on Saturday, Sam Hauser (back), who is probable, is expected to enter the starting lineup, giving him a more promising outlook in all fantasy setups.
Raptors' G Gradey Dick scored 31 points on 13-of-26 shooting in a 125-131 loss to the Lakers on Friday, Nov. 1. Dick is owned in only 15.4% leagues.
Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton (back) won't play on Saturday against Houston due to inflammation in his lower back. It will be the third consecutive game he will miss. Melton has played in three games this season after he was limited to 38 contests with the 76ers last season because of a back injury. WithStephen Curry(ankle) also out Saturday, Lindy Waters and Moses Moody will likely see more action.
