Guest of the League
The Dubs Dynasty
Fantasy Week 8 | NBA Week 8

NBA roundup: Pacers down Kings, continue rebound from 2-16 start

Tue Dec 9 12:21am ET
Field Level Media

Andrew Nembhard posted 28 points and a season-high 12 assists as the Indiana Pacers overcame a Russell Westbrook triple-double to upend the Sacramento Kings 116-105 on Monday in Indianapolis.

Bennedict Mathurin scored 25 points and Pascal Siakam had 23 for Indiana, which has won four of six following a 2-16 start. The Pacers had a 19-point lead erased before closing the game on a 19-4 run across the last 5:41, 12 of the points coming from Nembhard.

Westbrook compiled 24 points, 12 rebounds and 14 assists for his record-extending 207th triple-double and fourth of the season, which he completed well inside three quarters. DeMar DeRozan contributed 20 points and Zach LaVine added 16 for Sacramento, which took its fifth loss in six games.

Suns 108, Timberwolves 105


Mark Williams scored 22 points and grabbed seven rebounds as Phoenix held on for a tight win over Minnesota in Minneapolis.

Collin Gillespie scored 19 points for the Suns, who beat the Timberwolves by single digits for the second time this season. Dillion Brooks scored 18 points.

Anthony Edwards scored 40 points on 15-for-21 shooting to lead the Timberwolves, whose five-game winning streak ended. Julius Randle finished with 21 points on 7-for-11 shooting.

Spurs 135, Pelicans 132

Dylan Harper canned the decisive jumper with 9.1 seconds to play as part of his career-high 22 points and visiting San Antonio outlasted reeling New Orleans.

The Spurs were up by 20 points at halftime, but New Orleans rallied to take a 102-100 edge to the final period. Harper answered Derik Queen's driving layup in the closing seconds, and New Orleans couldn't respond.

Harrison Barnes led San Antonio with 24 points while Stephon Castle had 18 in his first game back after missing nine contests with a hip injury. Queen scored 33, pulled down 10 rebounds and dished out 10 assists for his first career triple-double. Trey Murphy III added 32 points for the Pelicans, who have lost seven in a row.

Player Notes
Keegan Murray Mon Dec 8 6:30pm

According to James Ham of ESPN 1320, Sacramento Kings forwardKeegan Murray(back/shoulder) will play against the Indiana Pacers on Monday. The 25-year-old sharpshooter has been dealing with right trapezius soreness, but the injury won't keep him out of action during tonight's tilt. Murray is averaging 16.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 2.0 steals, 1.5 blocks, and 1.2 threes per game since returning from a thumb injury. Fantasy managers should still expect Murray to play a prominent role in the Kings' frontcourt this evening despite the setback.

Anthony Edwards Mon Dec 8 6:20pm

Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republicreports that Minnesota Timberwolves guardAnthony Edwards(illness) will play against the Phoenix Suns on Monday. Edwards was considered questionable ahead of Monday's matchup due to an illness. However, the 24-year-old star guard is feeling well enough to take the court this evening. Edwards has logged just 26 points in his last two contests after finishing with 44 points across 47 minutes in a 149-142 win over the Pelicans on December 2.

Dennis Schroder Mon Dec 8 6:00pm

James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramentoreports that Sacramento Kings guardDennis Schroder(hip) will miss his sixth consecutive contest on Monday against the Indiana Pacers due to a right hip flexor strain. Schroder carried a questionable tag earlier, but he has since been downgraded to unavailable for this evening's matchup. Malik MonkandNique Clifford will continue to receive extra minutes coming off the bench with Schroder sidelined. Monk is averaging 13.3 points, 2.4 assists, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.9 threes per contest while Clifford registers 4.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.

Franz Wagner Mon Dec 8 5:40pm

On Monday, Shams Charania of ESPN reported that Orlando Magic forwardFranz Wagner (ankle) could be out of action 2-to-4 weeks due to a high left ankle sprain. However, an MRI showed no structural damage on the 24-year-old's left leg, according to Charania. Wagner's injury occurred during Sunday's 106-100 loss to the Knicks. With Wagner on the shelf, fantasy managers should expect forwards Jett Howard and Tristan da Silva to take on extra minutes.

Jordan Poole Mon Dec 8 12:10pm

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Poole (quad) will miss his 18th consecutive game on Monday while dealing with a quad strain. His timetable is still unclear, so there's no telling how much time he'll continue to miss. While he's sidelined, Jeremiah Fears and Bryce McGowens have been anchoring the backcourt with Trey Murphy III mixed in as well. Fears has been delivering good value and has now started in 22 of his 24 games played. In those starts with added minutes, he's averaged 15.9 points, 3.2 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game while shooting 42.7% from the floor with a usage of 26.1%.

Herbert Jones Mon Dec 8 12:00pm

New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (calf) remains on Monday's injury report ahead of their contest with the San Antonio Spurs. He's dealing with a right calf strain which has kept him out of their last eight games, but he's considered questionable for this one. While Jones, Jordan Poole (quad), and Zion Williamson (adductor) have all been sidelined, Bryce McGowens, Saddiq Bey, and Jeremiah Fears have all been in the starting lineup. Bey and Fears have been the more consistent options for fantasy managers looking for replacements. In their last game against the Nets, Bey registered 18 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two threes while Fears accrued 14 points, five assists, two rebounds, one steal, and one turnover.

Dillon Brooks Mon Dec 8 11:30am

Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (Achilles) popped up on the team's injury report with a sore Achilles ahead of the team's Monday night contest against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The veteran wing has been enjoying one of his best seasons to date with averages of 22.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.6 steals, and 2.3 threes per game. He's been seeing added minutes with Devin Booker (groin) and Jalen Green (hamstring) sidelined. If Brooks can't suit up, however, Ryan Dunn could join the starting five while Royce O'Neale and Jordan Goodwin see some added opportunities. Dunn has started in 11 of his 18 games played while posting 8.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.

Dennis Schroder Mon Dec 8 10:30am

Sacramento Kings guard Dennis Schroder (hip) has missed the last five games with a hip flexor strain. He remains on the injury report, but he drew another questionable tag heading into Monday night's contest against the Indiana Pacers. If he does suit up, it'll likely mean fewer minutes for Malik Monk and Nique Clifford. On the other hand, if he's out for one more game, those two will continue to anchor the backcourt for the bench squad. Monk is averaging 13.3 points, 2.4 assists, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.9 threes per game while Clifford registers 4.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per contest.

Keegan Murray Mon Dec 8 10:20am

Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (back/shoulder) is listed on the injury report ahead of Monday's game against the Indiana Pacers. The former fourth overall pick is dealing with right trapezius soreness and is considered questionable for this matchup. Since returning from his thumb injury, Murray hasn't missed a game yet and is averaging 16.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 2.0 steals, 1.5 blocks, and 1.2 threes per game. If he's downgraded to out, Malik Monk and Precious Achiuwa will likely see some added minutes. Monk would be the more consistent streaming option, especially for fantasy managers looking for threes.

Luka Doncic Mon Dec 8 12:00am

Lakers' G Luka Doncic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 31 points, 11 assists and 15 rebounds in a 112-108 win over Philadelphia on Sunday, Dec. 7.

Paul George Sun Dec 7 7:30pm

Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (knee) is available for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite missing plenty of time throughout the 2025 campaign, the veteran will now suit up for his second-straight appearance. He's coming off his best showing of the year, amassing 20 points in Friday's win over the Milwaukee Bucks. With George in the mix, Quentin Grimes will remain on the bench, although he's still worth starting in most fantasy formats.

Joel Embiid Sun Dec 7 7:20pm

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) will play on Sunday versus the Lakers. He was questionable on Saturday's edition of the Injury Report after missing Friday's win over the Milwaukee Bucks. However, the 2023 MVP was upgraded to probable on Sunday afternoon, so fantasy managers had a feeling he'd be good to go. Embiid has struggled this season, averaging a career-low 18.5 points with 3.1 assists and 5.4 rebounds. Still, he remains a must-start based on his upside alone. With Embiid on the floor, Andre Drummond will head back to the bench .

Lauri Markkanen Sun Dec 7 7:10pm

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (illness) won't play on Sunday versus Oklahoma City. The 28-year-old has had an excellent 2025 campaign, averaging 27.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. However, like some of the other big names around the National Basketball Association, he's not feeling well. With Markkanen out for the first time this season, his next chance to return will be on Friday in Memphis. In the meantime, Kyle Filipowski, averaging 7.8 points, 5.0 boards, and 3.2 assists in six starts, is the favorite to take Markkanen's place in the rotation. While Filipowski's statistical contributions with the first-five aren't the best, there's no reason why he can't be more production with Markkanen off the floor, even against the top defensive club in the league.

Jimmy Butler Sun Dec 7 7:00pm

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (knee) will return from a two-game absence for Sunday's game in Chicago. The Dubs are still without Stephen Curry (quadriceps) and Draymond Green (foot). While their absences mean that others will be more involved offensively, Butler could lead the way on the scoring end. With that said, he has an excellent chance of surpassing his usual fantasy expectations versus one of the worst defensive teams in the National Basketball Association.

LeBron James Sun Dec 7 6:50pm

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (foot) will play on Sunday against Philadelphia. He didn't suit up for Friday's loss to the Boston Celtics, which isn't surprising, considering the Lakers were playing back-to-back contests. With that said, James is definitely showing signs of slowing down, with the 40-year-old averaging 14.0 points, 4.3 boards, and 7.8 assists. While he's still a starting option in all fantasy formats, he's nowhere near as reliable as he once was. Only time will tell if James can return to form after missing the start of the 2025 campaign due to Sciatica. His presence on Sunday night likely means Jake LaRavia will head back to the bench.

Karl-Anthony Towns Sun Dec 7 3:40pm

New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns (calf) won't play on Sunday against Orlando. Despite making sporadic appearances on the injury report, KAT hasn't missed a game. However, he experienced left calf tightness during the meeting with the Utah Jazz on Friday night, so the team will keep him out. Towns next chance to suit up will be on Tuesday, when the Knicks face the Toronto Raptors in the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup. As far as Sunday's contest is concerned, Mitchell Robinson, averaging 4.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in nine starts, is the favorite to replace Towns in the rotation.

Draymond Green Sun Dec 7 3:20pm

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (foot) won't play on Sunday versus Chicago. He re-aggravated a right foot injury in Thursday's loss to the Philadelphia 76ers and didn't suit up for Saturday's win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The NBA Cup will allow him to get some extra rest, so fantasy managers will need to wait and see if he'll be back on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Fortunately, Jimmy Butler III (knee) is probable, which will certainly help lessen the blow caused by Green's absence. Buddy Hield, who had 13 points, seven boards, and one block on Saturday, will presumably remain in the starting lineup.

Jimmy Butler Sun Dec 7 3:10pm

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (knee) is probable for Sunday's contest in Chicago. The veteran has missed the last two games. While it seemed he would return for Saturday's win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, he was ultimately ruled out. With Draymond Green (foot) and Stephen Curry (quadriceps) sidelined, Butler could be in line for an above-average night against a Bulls team that has allowed 122.5 points per game this season, the fourth-worst mark in the National Basketball Association. If Butler is officially active, Jonathan Kuminga, who got the start on Saturday, will presumably head back to the bench, especially after going 1-for-10 from the field.

Immanuel Quickley Sun Dec 7 3:00pm

Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (illness) is now probable for Sunday's meeting with the Boston Celtics. He was listed as questionable because of an illness. Fortunately, it doesn't appear as if the 26-year-old will miss his first contest of the 2025 campaign. Quickley has played as well as expected this season, averaging 17.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 39.1% shooting from behind the arc. More importantly, he's stayed healthy after being limited to 33 appearances in 2024. All things considered, Quickley is a must-start in any fantasy setup against a Celtics team that has regressed defensively from a season ago.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Sun Dec 7 2:50pm

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (elbow) won't play on Sunday against Utah. It's unknown exactly when or how SGA injured his left elbow. However, it's at least serious enough to force him to miss his first game of the 2025 campaign. Gilgeous-Alexander is having another MVP-caliber year, averaging a career-high 32.8 points and 44.3% shooting from behind the arc, adding 4.7 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.4 steals. Of course, that type of production can't be replaced, although Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren will try their best. Ajay Mitchell, averaging 16.8 points, 4.2 assists, 4.2 rebounds, 2.0 steals, and 50.0% shooting from deep in six starts this season, could also be in line for a quality game, especially if he works his way back into the starting lineup.


Rotate for more data.