NBA roundup: Hornets prevail, hold Cavs to zero points in OT
Mon Dec 15 1:43am ET
Field Level Media
Kon Knueppel scored 29 points, and Brandon Miller added 25 points along with a career-high 13 rebounds as the visiting Charlotte Hornets pitched a shutout in overtime, beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 119-111 on Sunday.
Cleveland became the 12th team to be blanked in overtime, the first since the Chicago Bulls shut out the Minnesota Timberwolves on Nov. 7, 2015.
Miles Bridges collected 20 points, 10 rebounds and six assists for Charlotte, which blew a 17-point lead in the second half. The Hornets won for just the second time in their last six games and are 6-17 since Oct. 28.
Darius Garland scored a season-high 26 points and Donovan Mitchell had 17 points on 6-of-24 shooting for the Cavaliers. Jaylon Tyson added 16 points and a career-best 13 rebounds off the bench as Cleveland lost for the sixth time in nine games.
Hawks 120, 76ers 117
Dyson Daniels scored a season-high 27 points to help Atlanta defeat visiting Philadelphia.
It was Atlanta's seventh straight win over Philadelphia. Daniels was 13-for-19 from the field and matched his season high with 10 rebounds. Jalen Johnson recorded his fourth straight triple-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists. It was his franchise-record eighth career triple-double.
Philadelphia was led by Paul George, who scored a season-high 35 points, and Joel Embiid, who had 22 points and 14 rebounds for his first double-double of the season. Rookie guard V.J. Edgecombe scored 26 points.
Wizards 108, Pacers 89
Marvin Bagley III posted season highs of 23 points and 14 rebounds, and Washington held Indiana to 36.9% shooting from the floor en route to a romp in Indianapolis.
Justin Champagnie matched Bagley's game-high with 14 boards and Kyshawn George grabbed eight rebounds as he flirted with triple-double. George dished a game-high nine assists and scored nine points. CJ McCollum finished with 18 points and grabbed six rebounds, Champagnie scored 13 points and Bub Carrington added 11 points with five assists.
Bennedict Mathurin's 15 points led five Pacers in double figures. Jay Huff scored 13 points, Jarace Walker chipped in 12 and Isaiah Jackson added another 11 off the bench.
Timberwolves 117, Kings 103
Julius Randle collected 24 points and 10 rebounds and Naz Reid added 20 and 11, respectively, fueling Minnesota to a victory over Sacramento in Minneapolis.
Jaden McDaniels had 21 points and Donte DiVincenzo and Bones Hyland each added 18 for the Timberwolves, who recorded their seventh win in their last eight games overall. Minnesota played its second straight game without three-time All-Star Anthony Edwards (right foot soreness) and backcourt mate Mike Conley (right Achilles tendinopathy).
Sacramento's DeMar DeRozan, Precious Achiuwa and Dennis Schroder each scored 17 points, Schroder made his return from a seven-game absence due to a hip issue.
Trail Blazers 136, Warriors 131
Jerami Grant and Shaedon Sharpe scored 35 points apiece and host Portland withstood 48 points from Stephen Curry to notch a victory over Golden State.
Deni Avdija added 26 points, eight assists and seven rebounds as the Trail Blazers won for just the second time in the past eight games. Grant made seven 3-pointers and Sharpe knocked down five as Portland shot 51.3% (20 of 39) from 3-point range.
Curry was 12 of 19 from 3-point range, falling one shy of his career best set early in the 2016-17 season. He also was one point short of his season high. Jimmy Butler III added 16 points, seven rebounds and three steals for the Warriors. Draymond Green had 14 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals.
Nets 127, Bucks 82
Rookie Egor Demin scored 17 points after being publicly criticized by coach Jordi Fernandez as Brooklyn never trailed and cruised past Milwaukee in New York.
Demin produced his second-most points this season after being held to 14 total in his previous three games and hearing criticism from Fernandez for a quiet showing (three points) in Friday's loss at Dallas. Fernandez watched the game from home due to an illness and the team was coached by assistant Steve Hetzel. The 45-point winning margin tied the franchise mark, per the team.
Gary Trent Jr. scored 20 points for the Bucks, who dropped to 2-8 without star Giannis Antetokounmpo this season. Kyle Kuzma added 13 and Ryan Rollins finished with 11, but the Bucks shot 39.2% from the field.
Pelicans 114, Bulls 104
Trey Murphy III and Jeremiah Fears tied for the team high with 20 points while Zion Williamson returned from a six-game absence due to a right adductor strain to contribute 18 points and six rebounds as New Orleans downed host Chicago.
Jordan Poole added 16 points for the Pelicans, who picked up just their second road win of the season in 12 outings. New Orleans, which had lost 16 of 17, has now won two in a row for just the second time. Rookie Derik Queen grabbed eight rebounds and dished out a game-high six assists.
Coby White led the Bulls with 20 points and added five rebounds and five assists. However, White shot just 1-for-10 from beyond the arc as the Bulls lost their fourth straight home game.
Lakers 116, Suns 114
LeBron James gave Los Angeles the lead on two free throws with 3 seconds left, then blocked Grayson Allen's potential game-winning 3-pointer at the other end, and the Lakers survived a wild finish to defeat host Phoenix.
Luka Doncic finished with 29 points, James 26 and Deandre Ayton 20 as part of a double-double with a game-high 13 rebounds for the Lakers, who trailed 77-71 before holding Phoenix scoreless for 8:05 bridging the third and fourth periods, using a 24-0 flurry to vault into a 95-77 lead.
Devin Booker had 27 points, Mark Williams 20 and Dillon Brooks 18 for Phoenix, which lost despite outshooting the Lakers 48.8% to 43.2% overall and 35.1% to 18.9% on 3-pointers.
- NBA roundup: Hornets prevail, hold Cavs to zero points in OT
- Hawks' Kristaps Porzingis (illness) to miss at least 2 more weeks
- Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards (foot) out vs. Kings
- Cavs standout Evan Mobley to miss 2-4 weeks with calf strain
- NBA roundup: Timberwolves spoil Stephen Curry's 39-point return
- Spurs star C Victor Wembanyama (calf) could return vs. Thunder
- NBA roundup: Pelicans end 7-game slide with rout of Blazers
- Grizzlies' Zach Edey (ankle) to be re-evaluated in 4 weeks
- Warriors G Stephen Curry (thigh) expected to return Friday
- Mavs C Dereck Lively II to have season-ending foot surgery
- Malik Beasley, agent deny reports guard close to playing in Serbia
- Suns minority owners maintain Mat Ishbia's majority stake is in play
- Chris Paul feeling at peace after being dumped by Clippers
- Lakers G Marcus Smart (back) hopes to play vs. Spurs
- NBA roundup: Pacers down Kings, continue rebound from 2-16 start
- Terry Rozier pleads not guilty to sports betting charges
- Magic F Franz Wagner could miss weeks with ankle injury
- NBA roundup: Luka Doncic, LeBron James lead Lakers past 76ers in return
- Magic F Franz Wagner (leg) injured vs. Knicks
- Thunder G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (elbow) out vs. Jazz
Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (oblique) is questionable for Monday's game in Denver after missing eleven straight contests. If cleared, he is expected to return with a minutes restriction. Eason last appeared Nov. 14 and logged three points, five rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 10 minutes, but his broader profile is stronger, averaging 13.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 1.0 steal, and 2.8 three-pointers across his last five active games. His role is stable long-term, and if the steals return, he becomes a viable standard-league add. Josh Okogie, Jae'Sean Tate, and Jeff Green would feel the minutes squeeze.
Dallas Mavericks forward/center Anthony Davis (calf) is questionable for Monday's game in Utah due to a left calf contusion, a new issue that could prompt a cautious approach. If Dallas elects to sit Davis, Daniel Gafford's (ankle) status becomes pivotal, with P.J. Washington in line for added run as a small-ball five. Davis is coming off 24 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks in 33 minutes Friday, making any absence a notable category hit. Naji Marshall would gain stability, while Dwight Powell and Moussa Cisse remain fringe streamers.
Dallas Mavericks guard D'Angelo Russell (illness) will miss a second straight game Monday at Utah, an injury/status update that keeps Dallas thin at point guard. Ryan Nembhard is the preferred stream for assists and efficiency, logging 12.8 points and 7.8 assists in 27.4 minutes over his last five with 62.8 percent shooting. Brandon Williams is a deeper-league fallback at 9.4 points and 4.6 assists in 20.1 minutes, while Cooper Flagg can absorb extra creation if Anthony Davis (calf) sits.
Atlanta Hawks forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (illness) will miss at least the next two weeks while he undergoes further evaluation, and his prior POTS diagnosis introduces added durability risk for fantasy managers. Onyeka Okongwu remains a must-start after posting 20 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, one steal, and two blocks in 36 minutes. Over his last five, Okongwu is averaging 15.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.8 blocks. Jalen Johnson continues to shoulder frontcourt creation responsibilities, while Mouhamed Gueye gains steadier rotation minutes but remains a fringe option best reserved for deep formats.
Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic (rest) will sit out Monday against Dallas, with a return expected Thursday versus the Lakers. Kyle Filipowski becomes the top streaming target with both Nurkic and Walker Kessler (shoulder) sidelined, averaging 12.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.2 three-pointers in 29.0 minutes over his last five. 37-year-old veteran Kevin Love is a deeper-league option for rebounds and three-point production after posting 9.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.8 three-pointers in 17.2 minutes across that span. Taylor Hendricks remains a watchlist option only.
Golden State Warriors' G Stephen Curry scored 48 points on 16-of-26 shooting in a 131-136 loss to Portland on Sunday, Dec. 14.
Atlanta's F Jalen Johnson recorded a triple-double, finishing with 12 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds in a 120-117 win over the 76ers on Sunday, Dec. 14.
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (illness) will play on Sunday against the Warriors. The 28-year-old will return from a two-game stint on the shelf. He would have been in line to start had Donovan Clingan (leg) been ruled out. However, Clingan is available, so Williams isn't the best fantasy option in any format, especially versus Golden State, a team that has been solid on the defensive end during the 2025 campaign.
Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (leg) will return from a three-game stint on the shelf for Sunday's meeting with Golden State. The 21-year-old has averaged a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double this season while amassing 1.4 blocks per contest. His shooting numbers aren't the best (48.2% from the field and 24.1% from deep). However, Clingan has at least been a reliable fantasy contributor in a few statistical categories, offsetting his subpar shooting percentages. With Robert Williams III (illness) and Yang Hansen (face) also available, the Blazers will once again have depth at the five position. With that said, all three might have issues surpassing their usual fantasy projections versus a Warriors team that has been sound defensively throughout the 2025 campaign.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) will play on Sunday against Atlanta. The 31-year-old is coming off his best game of the 2025 campaign, amassing 39 points and nine boards in Friday's win over Indiana. With Tyrese Maxey (illness) sidelined again, Embiid could be in line for another quality outing versus a Hawks team that won't have Kristaps Porzingis (illness).
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (foot) won't play on Sunday against Sacramento. Edwards continues to battle foot soreness and will now miss his second-straight game. Interestingly enough, he'll also miss his sixth game of the 2025 campaign, tying his mark from his previous two seasons combined. The Timberwolves won't be on the court again until Wednesday's matchup versus the Memphis Grizzlies, so fantasy managers will be anxiously awaiting an update. Without him, Bones Hyland (knee), who is available, could work his way back into the starting lineup, although Naz Reid, Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, and Donte DiVincenzo should split most of the surplus shot attempts caused by Edwards' absence.
Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (ankle) is available for Sunday's game versus the 76ers. He popped up on the injury report because of a sprained right ankle, although the issue won't be enough to cause his first absence of the 2025 campaign. The 27-year-old is easily having the best season of his career, averaging 20.7 points while shooting 39.1% from behind the arc. With Kristaps Porzingis (illness) out again, Alexander-Walker should continue to benefit on the scoring end, even with a difficult contest up ahead.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (illness) won't play on Sunday against the Hawks, his second-straight absence. He's under the weather, so his next chance to suit up will be on Friday night versus the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. With Joel Embiid (knee) questionable, Philly may need to rely more on Paul George and VJ Edgecombe to handle most of the work offensively. Quentin Grimes, coming off a 10-point, nine-rebound, one-block, one-steal outing in Friday's win over the Indiana Pacers, will presumably remain in the starting lineup.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) is questionable ahead of Sunday's game in Atlanta. Fantasy managers are used to seeing his name on the injury report. However, with Tyrese Maxey (illness) doubtful, more attention is on Embiid's availability after he had 39 points in Friday's win over the Indiana Pacers. If he ends up getting ruled out (along with Maxey), that should mean extra scoring opportunities for Paul George and VJ Edgecombe, at the very least. As far as the middle is concerned, Andre Drummond, averaging 10.1 points and 11.8 rebounds in 11 starts this season, remains the favorite to replace Embiid in the rotation.
Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (finger) is expected to play in Sunday's meeting with the Hornets after missing the last six games. His return can't come soon enough, with Evan Mobley (calf) anticipated to miss 2-4 weeks. While Allen hasn't been as productive on the scoring end, averaging 14.3 points, that may change with Mobley sidelined. Of course, that's assuming Allen is cleared to suit up. If he ends up suffering a setback, Thomas Bryant should enter the starting lineup, which would likely result in a double-double upside.
Washington Wizards forward Khris Middleton (knee) will remain out for Sunday's game against Indiana, marking his third-straight absence because of a right knee contusion. The 34-year-old is nowhere near as productive as he once was, averaging 10.4 points, the second-lowest mark of his career, adding 4.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists. His next chance to get back on the floor will be Thursday versus the San Antonio Spurs, so perhaps the extra few days off will give him the time needed to recover. Justin Champagnie, amassing 8.0 points and 5.2 rebounds in six starts this season, should continue to fill the void in the rotation.
Charlotte Hornets guard Collin Sexton (quadriceps) won't play on Sunday against Cleveland, marking his fourth-straight absence. With LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Tre Mann (knee) also on the shelf, there will be extra minutes up for grabs, which Sexton likely would have absorbed. However, with Sexton sidelined as well, KJ Simpson may get another start. The 23-year-old has averaged 13.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in two starts this season. While that won't make him a practical option in some fantasy formats, he should draw more interest from DFS participants for value reasons despite a challenging game on tap.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (illness) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against Atlanta. If he sits again, Quentin Grimes should remain in the starting lineup and hold streaming value for threes with a chance at secondary playmaking after posting 10 points, nine rebounds, and four assists in 39 minutes Friday. VJ Edgecombe stays locked into a heavy run and just went for 22 points and five assists. Jared McCain can see a small bump off the bench, too.
Chicago Bulls guard/forward Ayo Dosunmu (thumb) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against New Orleans, putting him on track to miss a second straight contest. He's a stash in standard leagues, but managers in weekly formats should sit him if they cannot afford a zero. If Dosunmu is ruled out, Tre Jones is the safer short-term streamer for assists and steals, while Dalen Terry profiles as a deeper-league minutes option. Kevin Huerter's (adductor) status can swing the bench hierarchy, and Coby White's workload could rise.
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) will miss Sunday's game against Cleveland, extending his absence to three straight contests with a left ankle bone bruise. Ball remains a firm hold, but Charlotte's short-handed backcourt continues to reshape the rotation. With Collin Sexton (quadriceps) and Tre Mann (knee) also sidelined, KJ Simpson has averaged 11.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.3 steals over his last three while pushing 27.5 minutes, making him a deeper-league option. Rookie Sion James has also picked up consistent minutes, but the fantasy ceiling stays limited outside of scoring bursts.
