Wed Nov 20 1:50am ET
Field Level Media
Jayson Tatum had 33 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists on Tuesday to help the Boston Celtics defeat the visiting Cavaliers 120-117, ending Cleveland's season-opening, 15-game winning streak.
The Cavaliers were attempting to become the second team in NBA history to start a season 16-0. The 2015-16 Golden State Warriors won 24 straight games before losing.
Al Horford added 20 points and seven rebounds while Derrick White supplied 19 points for the Celtics, who made 22 of 41 3-point shots while winning an NBA Cup game.
Boston led 110-102 after White connected on a 3-pointer with 4:23 remaining. Cleveland pulled within four when Donovan Mitchell made a trey with 24.4 seconds left, then cut its deficit to three twice, the last time being on Ty Jerome's jumper at the final buzzer.
Mitchell had 35 points and eight rebounds in the loss. The Cavaliers received 22 points, 11 rebounds and six assists from Evan Mobley.
Nets 116, Hornets 115
Cameron Johnson racked up a season-high 34 points with a strong shooting effort from long range as Brooklyn captured a topsy-turvy game against Charlotte in New York.
Johnson made six 3-point baskets on 12 attempts as part of 11-for-20 shooting from the field. Jalen Wilson made five threes to finish with 17 points.
Down by three, the Hornets got possession with 5.1 seconds to play after Cody Martin blocked Trendon Watford's shot. Charlotte's Brandon Miller missed a 3-pointer, which was tipped in by Grant Williams to account for the final score. Miller pumped in 29 points and Miles Bridges had 21, but the Hornets lost for the fourth time in five games.
Nuggets 122, Grizzlies 110
Jamal Murray scored 27 points, Michael Porter Jr. added 24 points and 11 rebounds and Russell Westbrook posted the 200th triple-double of his career to lead visiting Denver to an NBA Cup victory over Memphis.
Westbrook came off the bench to contribute 12 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds. He is the NBA's all-time leader in triple-doubles. The Nuggets, playing their third straight game without three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic (personal), gave coach Michael Malone his 432nd win, tying Doug Moe for the most in franchise history.
The Grizzlies were led by Santi Aldama, who tied a career high with 28 points and added 11 rebounds.
Spurs 110, Thunder 104
Keldon Johnson poured in 22 points and Chris Paul had a double-double that included a crucial 3-pointer with 1:27 left as short-handed San Antonio held on to beat visiting Oklahoma City in an NBA Cup game.
Harrison Barnes added 20 points for the Spurs, who snapped a two-game losing streak. Paul racked up 14 points and 11 assists. The Spurs played without Victor Wembanyama (knee) and Devin Vassell (knee) for the second straight game.
The Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 32 points. Jalen Williams recorded 27 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and five steals.
Mavericks 132, Pelicans 91
Luka Doncic netted 26 points to lead seven Dallas scorers in double figures and the host Mavericks never trailed while routing New Orleans in NBA Cup action.
Klay Thompson scored 19 points, Kyrie Irving added 18 and former Pelican Naji Marshall had 15 for the Mavericks. Dallas led by as many as 41 points while producing a season-high point total and winning its third straight after a four-game losing streak.
Trey Murphy III put up 19 points, Brandon Ingram had 17 and Javonte Green scored 14 to lead the short-handed Pelicans, who lost for the eighth time in nine games.
Lakers 124, Jazz 118
Dalton Knecht scored a career-high 37 points and made nine 3-pointers to tie an NBA rookie record as Los Angeles extended its winning streak to six games by beating visiting Utah.
Knecht was 9 of 12 from 3-point range and scored 22 consecutive points for the Lakers in a stretch that started with 3:29 remaining in the third quarter and ended with 9:51 left in the game. LeBron James scored 26 points and dished out 12 assists and Anthony Davis amassed 26 points and 14 rebounds for the Lakers, who improved to 2-0 in NBA Cup group play.
Los Angeles, the defending champion of the in-season tournament, is a perfect 9-0 in NBA Cup action over the past two seasons. Lauri Markkanen produced 25 points and eight rebounds while Collin Sexton added 19 points for the Jazz, who lost their third consecutive game.
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (calf) won't play against the Knicks on Wednesday night. The 31-year-old will now miss his fifth-straight contest, which is not ideal, considering the team is also without Kevin Durant (calf). Even worse, Jusuf Nurkic (ankle) is questionable heading into Wednesday's game. At any rate, Oso Ighodaro and Ryan Dunn should continue to start, although Grayson Allen, who had 17 points off the bench on Monday, is a much safer fantasy option.
Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's matchup with the New York Knicks. The veteran has been burdened by an ankle injury. While he's mostly played through it, it finally kept him off the floor for Monday's loss to the Orlando Magic. Mason Plumlee got the start in that one, ending the night with 11 boards, eight points, and six assists. With that said, Plumlee will retain streaming value if Nurkic can't get back on the floor for Wednesday's contest.
Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis (foot) will play on Tuesday versus Utah. The 31-year-old has been dealing with a foot injury for a while, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect this to go away anytime soon. Fortunately, he should continue to play, barring a setback. Davis has had an MVP-caliber season thus far, averaging a career-high 31.1 points with 11.2 boards and 2.0 blocks while shooting 42.9% from deep. Of course, he needs to be in any fantasy lineup imaginable. Davis could also thrive even more with Walker Kessler (hip) sidelined.
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (leg) is questionable for Wednesday's matchup versus the Warriors. Johnson has played well this season, averaging career-highs in points (19.4), rebounds (9.9), and assists (5.4). He missed Monday's one-point win over the Sacramento Kings on Monday because of left leg inflammation. If the 22-year-old can't suit up against Golden State, Garrison Mathews may remain in the starting lineup. However, Dyson Daniels and De'Andre Hunter are the players who could continue to benefit the most, with the duo combining for 38 points on Monday.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (knee) is probable heading into Wednesday's meeting with the visiting Hawks. The veteran sharpshooter is dealing with a case of left knee bursitis. He carried a questionable designation ahead of Monday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. However, Curry was out there, finishing with 26 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. He also shot 40% from behind the arc. With that in mind, if Curry suffers a setback and doesn't play, it may mean more minutes and scoring opportunities for Buddy Hield, Jonathan Kuminga, and Brandin Podziemski.
Indiana Pacers guard Ben Sheppard (oblique) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Houston Rockets. The 23-year-old missed Monday's contest due to a left oblique strain, but coach Rick Carlisle expressed optimism that it won't turn into a long-term issue. If Sheppard is unavailable, Jarace Walker and Quenton Jackson could see an increase in playing time. Sheppard has been a consistent part of the Pacers' rotation, averaging 21.0 minutes and 5.8 points per game. Fantasy managers will want to check for updates closer to game time to see if Sheppard suits up.
Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (illness) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Indiana Pacers, leaving his availability uncertain. The 22-year-old has had an up-and-down season, averaging 19.7 points per game and playing in every game thus far. In his most recent contest, he came close to a double-double with 21 points and 9 rebounds against the Milwaukee Bucks. Fantasy managers should check for updates later Wednesday to see if Green suits up. If he's unable to play, Reed Sheppard and Aaron Holiday could take on more responsibility in the Houston backcourt.
Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (calf) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Houston Rockets. The 28-year-old missed Monday's contest against the Raptors due to right calf soreness, but head coach Rick Carlisle expressed optimism that the big man could return for Wednesday's matchup. If Turner remains sidelined, Enrique Freeman would likely step in for additional minutes. A key contributor this season, Turner has averaged 17.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game, making his potential return something fantasy managers will be eagerly watching.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (kneecap) is listed as probable for Wednesday's matchup against the Chicago Bulls as he continues to manage right patella tendinopathy. The former MVP is expected to play through the injury, but if he is ruled out, Bobby Portis would likely step into the starting lineup. Fantasy managers will be eager to see Antetokounmpo suit up, given his dominant season averages of 31.4 points and 12.4 rebounds per game. Earlier this season against Chicago, he delivered a stellar performance with 38 points and 11 rebounds.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (illness) has been ruled out for Tuesday's tilt against Denver. He missed a clash with the Nuggets on Sunday and was already listed as questionable for Tuesday's game. Health issues have limited Smart to only seven appearances in 2024-25, and he's been way off his game even when he has been on the court, posting 7.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. Vince Williams Jr. and Luke Kennard have a chance to play more with Smart out of commission, but they haven't exactly set the world alight this season.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (illness) is regarded as questionable for Wednesday's meeting with Oklahoma City. An illness has already knocked him out for a couple of games, and he might miss another one. Scoot Henderson has rolled with the starters during Simons' absence. He's been inconsistent all year and doesn't look like a good fantasy option at present. Dalano Banton's minutes have also been on the up lately, and he's coming off a 23-point performance against Atlanta. Banton has averaged 13.3 points for the month, but his scoring form faces a big test on Wednesday, as the Thunder own the league's best defensive rating (102.4).
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (hamstring) has been upgraded from out to questionable ahead of Wednesday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Maxey has missed the last six games due to a right hamstring strain. It sounds like he's on the verge of returning which is great news for this Sixers team. Fellow guard Kyle Lowry (hip) has been ruled out for at least the next three games. That means, Jared McCain should see heavy minutes if Maxey and Lowry are both out. McCain has been excellent lately and is someone who needs to be rostered in most formats. Reggie Jackson and Eric Gordon figure to gain minutes as well if Maxey remains out. If active, Maxey might be on a minutes limit during his first game back, so fantasy managers should be mindful of that.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Kyle Lowry (hip) has been ruled out for the next three games. It appears Lowry suffered a right hip strain during Monday's scoreless outing against the Miami Heat. Now, Lowry will be shut down and re-evaluated next week. The Sixers are also without Tyrese Maxey (hamstring), but he's currently listed as questionable for Wednesday's contest. If he sits, Jared McCain, Eric Gordon, and Reggie Jackson would all continue seeing significant roles in the rotation. McCain is by far the best option out of the bunch in terms of fantasy production.
Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (finger) has been listed as doubtful on the injury report ahead of Wednesday's matchup against Oklahoma City. He's dealing with a right index finger injury, and it looks like the Trail Blazers will be without Ayton for a fourth consecutive game. If that's the case, Donovan Clingan should continue to start. The seven-foot-two rookie produced a monster effort with a double-double and eight blocks against Minnesota last week but has been inconsistent. Robert Williams III also benefits from Ayton's absence.
Charlotte Hornets guard Tre Mann (back) has been upgraded from questionable to available for Tuesday's game against Brooklyn. He's returning to the lineup after sitting out one game. Mann has enjoyed a good start to the campaign, averaging 14.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 24.7 minutes off the bench. However, he might have a difficult time on Tuesday, as only nine teams allow fewer bench points than the Nets. Mann's return will likely push Vasilije Micic out of the rotation.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (hip) has already missed the last five games due to injury and it doesn't sound like he's on the verge of returning. Head coach Taylor Jenkins said on Tuesday that Morant's imaging on his hip came back positive. Despite that, Morant is still considered week-to-week, so this isn't great news for fantasy managers. The assumption is that Morant will be out until at least early December. Scotty Pippen Jr. and Jaylen Wells have been picking up the slack with Morant being sidelined. Both players are worth looking at while the Grizzlies are shorthanded in the backcourt.
Dallas Mavericks point guard Luka Doncic (knee) will play against New Orleans on Tuesday. He returns to the lineup after missing one game. Doncic produced a rare dud in his last outing and should be amped up to get back to his best against the Pelicans. Quentin Grimes will land back on the bench with Doncic's return. Grimes has had a couple of good outings recently, but he's been a starter on these occasions. The 24-year-old doesn't have fantasy value as a reserve.
Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard Sam Merrill (ankle) will be back in the lineup as a starter on Tuesday against Boston. He's been sidelined for three games with ankle inflammation. Merrill makes his return at a good time because the Cavaliers have lost some rotational pieces for Tuesday's game. This should guarantee him plenty of playing time. The 28-year-old has averaged 6.8 points in 19.7 minutes this season but might get past the 25-minute mark on Tuesday, with Caris LeVert (knee) and Isaac Okoro (ankle) missing.
Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (ankle) suffered an injury during Sunday's win over the Denver Nuggets. Since then, Edey underwent imaging that looked promising, according to head coach Taylor Jenkins. However, the rookie center is currently being listed as week-to-week by the organization. That's a shame considering Edey was putting together a promising start to his rookie campaign. The loss of Edey means more playing time for Jay Huff, Brandon Clarke and Santi Aldama in the rotation going forward. Between the trio, Aldama might be the best streaming choice given he's scored double digits in four of his last six games.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Isaac Okoro (ankle) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Boston Celtics. Okoro has been downgraded from questionable to out after he suffered a sprained left ankle during Sunday's game. The Cavs are also without Caris LeVert (knee), so that could mean big minutes for Georges Niang. The expectation is that Niang will play minutes in the mid or high 20s with the Cavs shorthanded. He has finished with double digit scoring in three of his last four games. Fantasy managers should consider Niang as a possible streaming option without Okoro available.
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