NBA roundup: Cavs edge Bucks, improve to 7-0
Sun Nov 3 3:17am ET
Field Level Media
Donovan Mitchell buried a jumper with 0.3 seconds remaining as the Cleveland Cavaliers extended their unbeaten run with a 114-113 win over the host Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night.
Mitchell had 30 points for the Cavaliers, who recorded their seventh successive victory, their best start to a season since Bill Fitch coached them to a franchise-record 8-0 start in 1976-77.
Sam Merrill contributed 17 points off the bench, including five 3-pointers, Jarrett Allen had 15 points and 12 rebounds, Evan Mobley had 14 points and seven boards and Darius Garland finished with 11 points and 10 assists.
Damian Lillard notched 41 points -- including 10 3-pointers -- and nine assists, Giannis Antetokounmpo piled on 34 points, 16 rebounds and nine assists and Taurean Prince scored 16 for the Bucks.
Celtics 113, Hornets 103
Jayson Tatum pumped in 29 points and Payton Pritchard hit six 3-pointers on the way to 22 points off the bench as Boston defeated host Charlotte.
Luke Kornet's 19 points and Derrick White's 18 helped the Celtics to their sixth win in seven games to open the season, and Jrue Holiday's triple with 3:44 to go polished off his 13-point evening.
LaMelo Ball racked up 36 points for the Hornets, who went 1-3 during a four-game homestand.
Grizzlies 124, 76ers 107
Jay Huff scored a career-high 20 points in 14 minutes to highlight a balanced attack by the Grizzlies in defeating host Philadelphia.
A 27-year-old journeyman, Huff was playing under a two-way contract until signing a four-year deal with Memphis on Monday. He shot 7 of 10 from the floor and 5 of 7 from 3-point range off the bench and was one of seven Grizzlies who scored in double figures. Jaren Jackson Jr. led with 27 points.
Tyrese Maxey scored 23 points and rookie Jared McCain had a career-high 19 to pace the Sixers, who continued to play without stars Joel Embiid and Paul George. Both players practiced fully on Friday, including five-on-five scrimmages.
Raptors 131, Kings 128 (OT)
RJ Barrett scored 31 points, including five in overtime, and had nine rebounds as Toronto defeated visiting Sacramento.
Hall of Famer Vince Carter had his No. 15 jersey retired by the Raptors in a halftime ceremony. Chris Boucher added a season-best 24 points for the Raptors, who ended a four-game losing streak. Ochai Agbaji and Gradey Dick each scored 22 points, and Jakob Poeltl had 13 points and nine rebounds before fouling out late.
Domantas Sabonis had 17 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists for the Kings, who had a three-game winning streak end. DeMar DeRozan scored a season-best 33 points, De'Aaron Fox scored 24 points and Keegan Murray added 16 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out. Malik Monk scored a season-best 21 points off the bench.
Warriors 127, Rockets 121 (OT)
Buddy Hield scored 27 points off the bench and Jonathan Kuminga added six of his 23 points in overtime as Golden State scraped past host Houston, which erased a 31-point deficit.
Kuminga scored twice in the post before adding a driving layup with 1:18 left in overtime to seal the victory. The Warriors received 15 points from Andrew Wiggins and 14 points and 11 rebounds from Draymond Green before he fouled out. Golden State played without Stephen Curry (ankle) for the third straight game.
Tari Eason spearheaded the Houston comeback with 27 points, nine rebounds, four steals and three blocks off the bench. Amen Thompson paired 18 points with 11 rebounds off the bench while Jabari Smith Jr. added 21 points and seven boards.
Heat 118, Wizards 98
Bam Adebayo scored 32 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to lead Miami to a win over Washington in Mexico City.
Tyler Herro added 15 points on 5-of-9 shooting. He and Adebayo combined for 30 of Miami's 56 first-half points. Jimmy Butler chipped in with 18 points, eight rebounds and four assists while Alec Burks added 15 points off the bench. Jaime Jaquez Jr. scored eight points off the bench.
Bilal Coulibaly had 22 points and Jordan Poole chipped in with 21 points for the Wizards, whose starting lineup included rookies Alexandre Sarr, Carlton Carrington and Kyshawn George. Sarr scored 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field and added six rebounds and three assists. Carrington and George combined for 10 points as all three rookies each played over 27 minutes.
Suns 103, Trail Blazers 97
Devin Booker recorded 28 points, nine rebounds and nine assists to help Phoenix beat visiting Portland.
Kevin Durant registered 21 points and nine rebounds and Grayson Allen scored 18 points off the bench for Phoenix. Bradley Beal and Tyus Jones added 15 points apiece for the Suns.
Jerami Grant and Anfernee Simons scored 20 points apiece for the Trail Blazers, who have lost five of their first seven games this season.
Spurs 113, Timberwolves 103
Keldon Johnson poured in a season-high 25 points off the bench and Jeremy Sochan and Chris Paul amassed double-doubles as San Antonio Spurs defeated visiting Minnesota.
Sochan added 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Spurs, with Victor Wembanyama hitting for 17 points. Chris Paul racked up 15 points and 13 assists.
Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards scored 21 points apiece to lead the Timberwolves, who were playing the second game of a home-road back-to-back and didn't arrive in San Antonio until 4:45 a.m. on Saturday.
Thunder 105, Clippers 92
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 25 points and nine assists as visiting Oklahoma City remained unbeaten with a victory over Los Angeles.
Oklahoma City has opened the season 6-0 for the first time in franchise history. The Thunder are the last unbeaten team in the Western Conference. Luguentz Dort scored 16 points, Jalen Williams added 15, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe had 12 apiece and Chet Holmgren netted 10 for the Thunder, who have won all six games by at least 12 points.
Norman Powell led the Clippers with 24 points, while James Harden had 12 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists. Terance Mann and Kris Dunn scored 11 points apiece for Los Angeles, which remained winless in four games at the new Intuit Dome this season.
Nuggets 129, Jazz 103
Nikola Jokic scored 18 of his 27 points in the third quarter, and host Denver defeated Utah for its first home win of the season.
Jokic added 16 rebounds and nine assists to finish just shy of a triple-double for the second straight night. He was a rebound shy of the mark at Minnesota on Friday night. Michael Porter Jr. scored 20 points, Julian Strawther had a season-high 19 and Christian Braun added 17.
The Jazz, who remain the only winless team in the NBA, had six players score in double figures, led by Walker Kessler's 18 points to go with 14 rebounds. Johnny Juzang had 17 points and Keyonte George had 16 with eight assists.
- NBA roundup: Cavs edge Bucks, improve to 7-0
- Sixers star Joel Embiid shoves reporter
- 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
Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (toe) has been added to the injury report ahead of Sunday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. It's the first game of a back-to-back set, so the Hawks might decide to give Okongwu a rest night on Sunday. He has been quiet since his 28-point outing during the season opener. Since then, Okongwu is averaging 8.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 0.3 blocks over his last four games. Larry Nance Jr. and Dominick Barlow figure to see extended playing time if Okongwu is unable to play on Sunday or Monday.
Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (pelvis) is considered doubtful ahead of Monday's game against the Denver Nuggets. Quickley has been sidelined due to a right pelvic contusion that he suffered during the season opener. The Raptors continue to list him as doubtful, so it doesn't sound like he's close to a return. Davion Mitchell figures to continue starting and will have streaming appeal until Quickley is able to play again.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) was seen doing shooting drills during Sunday's practice. It sounds like Vanderbilt is making progress, but the team hasn't given a solid timetable for his return to the court. Vanderbilt has been out all season due while he recovers from foot surgery. Jaxson Hayes should continue seeing increased minutes with Vanderbilt sidelined. Once healthy, Vanderbilt should contribute off the bench, but it probably won't be enough to warrant rostering in fantasy formats.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (ankle) was able to suit up and participate during Sunday's practice. This news comes after Reaves went to the locker room during Friday's game due to an injury. Reaves was able to return to the contest, but appears to still be banged up. It seems like Reaves should be able to play during Monday's game against the Detroit Pistons. Max Christie and Gabe Vincent figure to see increased playing time if Reaves is unable to play.
Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (back) is available for Sunday's game against the Detroit Pistons. The Nets continue to be cautious with Simmons, but he'll suit up for this game. However, he's unlikely to play on Monday against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Nets are holding Simmons out of back-to-back contests, so he shouldn't be available on Monday. Simmons is coming off his best performance of the season where he scored eight points with 11 rebounds, and two blocks against the Chicago Bulls. That was an encouraging statline from the oft-injured guard.
Bucks' G Damian Lillard scored 41 points on 13-of-24 shooting in a 113-114 loss to the Cavaliers on Saturday, Nov. 2.
Sacramento's F Domantas Sabonis recorded a triple-double, finishing with 17 points, 10 assists and 20 rebounds in a 128-131 loss to Toronto on Saturday, Nov. 2.
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.
