NBA roundup: Timberwolves spoil Stephen Curry's 39-point return
Sat Dec 13 1:22am ET
Field Level Media
Donte DiVincenzo buried a pair of late 3-pointers, Julius Randle led the way in the absence of Anthony Edwards with 27 points, and the Minnesota Timberwolves spoiled Stephen Curry's 39-point return by defeating the Golden State Warriors 127-120 in San Francisco on Friday night.
Rudy Gobert had two dunks in a 17-0 fourth-quarter flurry and finished with a 24-point, 14-rebound double-double for the Timberwolves, who won for the sixth time in their last seven games despite playing without Edwards (foot) and backcourt mate Mike Conley (Achilles).
In action for the first time since suffering a strained left quad on Nov. 26, Curry was 14 of 28 from the field, including 6 of 15 from 3-point range, for the Warriors, who also were missing two key players in Draymond Green (personal) and Al Horford (back).
Seeking a third straight win, the Warriors led 96-91 after a layup by Moses Moody in the second minute of the fourth period. The Timberwolves then seized control by scoring 17 straight points while the hosts were missing eight straight shots and mixing in a pair of turnovers.
Cavaliers 130, Wizards 126
Donovan Mitchell scored a season-high 48 points to help Cleveland rally for a win over host Washington.
Mitchell hit eight 3-pointers, while Evan Mobley added 23 points and 13 rebounds and Darius Garland chipped in 18 points for the Cavaliers, who trailed by 17 points late in the third quarter. De'Andre Hunter scored 15 and Jaylon Tyson had 13 for Cleveland, which outscored Washington 45-26 in the fourth.
CJ McCollum and Bub Carrington led Washington with 27 points apiece. Marvin Bagley III finished with 15 points and 13 rebounds in the Wizards' fourth straight loss.
Mavericks 119, Nets 111
Anthony Davis recorded 24 points, 14 rebounds, three steals and two blocked shots to help host Dallas beat Brooklyn for the Mavericks' fifth win in six games.
Cooper Flagg had 22 points and eight assists for the Mavericks, while Naji Marshall scored 17 points, Max Christie had 15 off the bench and P.J. Washington added 13 for Dallas.
Michael Porter Jr. poured in 34 points and was 6 of 10 from 3-point range for the Nets. The output gave Porter a career-best four consecutive 30-point outings and he has reached that mark nine times overall this season. Brooklyn had won three of its previous four games.
Pistons 142, Hawks 115
Isaiah Stewart amassed 17 points, five rebounds and five assists to lead a balanced attack as Eastern Conference-leading Detroit overwhelmed visiting Atlanta.
Eight Pistons recorded double figures in scoring and two others tallied nine points. Cade Cunningham and Duncan Robinson contributed 15 points apiece, while Jalen Duren supplied 14 points and seven rebounds. Ronald Holland and Ausar Thompson added 12 points apiece, and Caris LeVert chipped in 10 points with eight assists.
Atlanta's Nickeil Alexander-Walker led all scorers with 22 points. Jalen Johnson recorded a triple-double with 19 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists. Dyson Daniels added 18 points with 10 rebounds and five assists. The Hawks have dropped four of their last five games.
Jazz 130, Grizzlies 126
Keyonte George scored a career-high 39 points, Lauri Markkanen added 26 and Kevin Love had a season-best 20 to lead Utah past host Memphis in Ja Morant's return to the Grizzlies.
Santi Aldama led the Grizzlies with 22 points and Morant contributed 21 points and 10 assists after missing 10 games with a calf strain. Cam Spencer added 20 points off the bench and went 6-for-6 from beyond the arc.
George dominated in the opening half. He made eight of his 13 field-goal attempts, including four of his six 3-pointers, and had 27 points at the break. George was held scoreless in the third quarter, but had 12 points in the fourth, including Utah's final six points.
Bulls 129, Hornets 126
Josh Giddey scored 26 points, including six in the final 90 seconds, as Chicago came back to beat host Charlotte to end a seven-game losing streak.
Coby White poured in 20 points and reserves Zach Collins and Patrick Williams each scored 16 points for the Bulls, who avenged a loss in the same building from two weeks earlier. Giddey added 11 assists and seven rebounds in an all-around effort.
Kon Knueppel racked up 33 points and nine assists and Miles Bridges scored 20 of his 32 points in the first half for the Hornets, who've lost four of their last five games. Brandon Miller added 18 points as Charlotte remained without LaMelo Ball because of an ankle injury. Team rebounding leader Moussa Diabate was back for Charlotte, though he had only two points and three rebounds in 13 minutes off the bench.
76ers 115, Pacers 105
Joel Embiid scored a season-high 39 points as Philadelphia topped visiting Indiana. Playing in just his 10th game of the season, Embiid surpassed his previous high of 29 points while getting help from Paul George (season-high 23 points) and VJ Edgecombe (22 points).
Indiana, which was aiming to win a third straight game for the first time this season, was led by Pascal Siakam's 20 points. Andrew Nembhard contributed 18 points and seven assists for the Pacers, while former Sixer T.J. McConnell chipped in with 15 points off the bench.
The game was tied at 102-102 with under four minutes left when George found Dominick Barlow (10 pts.) for the go-ahead layup. George had a driving layup of his own down the stretch, while Embiid knocked down a jumper shortly thereafter to help Philadelphia create some separation.
- 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
- NBA roundup: Timberwolves surge past James Harden, Clippers
- NBA roundup: Kevin Durant hits 31K career points in Rockets' win
- Lakers without LeBron James, Luka Doncic vs. Celtics
- Ex-NBA champ Elden Campbell died by drowning
Sacramento Kings center Drew Eubanks (thumb) suffered an avulsion fracture in Thursday's loss to Denver and will be re-evaluated in three weeks after exiting in just four minutes. Eubanks can be dropped in most formats. Maxime Raynaud has started recently and logged 15 points, nine rebounds, and 37 minutes against the Nuggets, putting him firmly on the standard-league streaming radar while Domantas Sabonis (knee) remains out. Precious Achiuwa should hold a steady backup role, offering boards and defensive stats in deeper leagues.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (calf) sustained a Grade 1 strain during Friday's 130-126 win over Washington and is expected to miss two to four weeks. Mobley is an easy IL stash after posting 18.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 0.6 steals, and 2.0 blocks in 33.3 minutes over his last five. Dean Wade and Thomas Bryant should see a steadier run, while Nae'Qwan Tomlin is a deeper-league flier. Jaylon Tyson's floor minutes also rise.
New York's G Jalen Brunson scored 40 points on 16-of-27 shooting in a 132-120 win over Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 13.
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (hip) exited Saturday's NBA Cup loss to the Knicks. He did not return. Suggs was having himself a fantastic contest before suffering a left hip injury in the third quarter, and he would go on to finish this one with 26 points and seven assists in 29 minutes. With the Magic now eliminated, the team will head back to Orlando, where Suggs will presumably undergo extensive testing to determine the severity of the issue. Considering the 24-year-old was observed leaving T-Mobile Arena in a wheelchair, his long term prognosis isn't looking the best at the moment. This has been a common situation for Suggs throughout his career, with the 2021 No. 5 overall pick appearing in 53 games or fewer in three of his four seasons entering the 2025 campaign. He also missed time to begin the year while working his way back from knee surgery. Orlando won't play again until Thursday in Denver. Although it's far too early to speculate, fantasy managers should immediately begin planning for the worst. If Suggs misses time moving forward, Tyus Jones is currently the favorite to take over at the one. However, there are many scenarios that could play out in terms of the starting lineup, so fantasy managers may get a better idea of what's to come in the days ahead.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Cason Wallace (undisclosed) is off the injury report and will be available Saturday against San Antonio after exiting Wednesday's win early. Wallace has averaged 6.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.6 steals in 23.3 minutes over his last five games, keeping his fantasy value tied to defensive production. Isaiah Hartenstein's return clouds Wallace's short-term minutes, pushing him toward a second-unit role. Aaron Wiggins and Ajay Mitchell remain in the rotation mix, while Wallace profiles as a category-league hold rather than a points-league play.
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (career night) poured in 39 points on 12-of-20 shooting with five triples, eight assists, six rebounds, and two steals in 34 minutes during Friday's 130-126 win over Memphis. He went a perfect 10-for-10 at the line and continues to operate as Utah's primary creator, averaging 24.4 points, 6.6 assists, and 31.6 minutes over his last five. The role is stable, usage is heavy, and the free-throw volume elevates his floor. George and Lauri Markkanen continue to function as Utah's clear co-primary options, with George handling the bulk of creation and Markkanen anchoring scoring efficiency.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Isaiah Joe (knee) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against San Antonio, marking his fourth straight absence with a left knee contusion. With Joe sidelined, wing minutes are spread across Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell, and Aaron Wiggins, limiting appeal to deeper formats. Wallace has the cleanest fantasy profile thanks to defensive production, while Mitchell's assist juice plays best in deeper leagues. Joe averaged 9.8 points in 18.5 minutes over his last five, hitting 50.0 percent from the field.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Bones Hyland (knee) exited Friday against Golden State in the first quarter and is questionable for Sunday's matchup with Sacramento after logging three points and two assists in five minutes. Hyland has been a low-minute specialist, averaging 4.2 points in 7.9 minutes over his last five, but his absence can still loosen the bench-guard rotation. Terrence Shannon Jr. has the best path to extra volume, Jaylen Clark can supply steals, and Rob Dillingham is a deep-league assists swing if his run climbs.
Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) is off the injury report and will be available Saturday against San Antonio after missing six games with a right soleus strain. Hartenstein is expected to reclaim his starting role immediately, bringing steady production in rebounds, assists, and efficiency. Over his last five games, he averaged 10.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.4 blocks in 25.5 minutes while shooting 61.1 percent from the field. Jaylin Williams loses short-term value, while Oklahoma City's frontcourt rotation tightens with Hartenstein reclaiming the primary center minutes.
Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Austin Reaves (calf) has been diagnosed with a mild left calf strain and will be re-evaluated in approximately one week. Reaves had been trending up with 24.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 3.0 three-pointers in 37.3 minutes over his last five games, shooting 44.6 percent from the field. Marcus Smart profiles as the top short-term add after producing 26 points in 28 minutes, while Gabe Vincent and Jake LaRavia gain only deeper-league relevance as low-ceiling depth plays
Atlanta's F Jalen Johnson recorded a triple-double, finishing with 19 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds in a 115-142 loss to Detroit on Friday, Dec. 12.
Cleveland's G Donovan Mitchell scored 48 points on 17-of-31 shooting in a 130-126 win over Washington on Friday, Dec. 12.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (calf) will play on Friday versus Utah after missing the last 10 games because of a strained right calf. The 26-year-old hasn't had the best season, averaging 17.9 points and a career-low 16.7% shooting from behind the arc. Fortunately, he's at least amassed 7.6 assists and 1.0 steals to partially make up for it. Morant will presumably see less work in his first game back, although he should be added back into all fantasy lineups. His return likely means fewer minutes for Cam Spencer and Vince Williams Jr.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) will play on Friday night against Indiana. The 31-year-old has appeared in only nine games throughout the 2025 campaign. Outside of his routine absences, fantasy managers have also been frustrated by his career-low averages of 18.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 21.4% shooting from behind the arc. With that said, Embiid has an excellent opportunity to get something going for fantasy participants, especially since Tyrese Maxey (illness) won't suit up, versus a Pacers team that has had issues slowing down opposing bigs this season.
Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones (ankle) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Jones will make his return to the court after missing three games due to an ankle injury. The Bulls will remain cautious and keep Jones on a minutes limit during his first game back. Jones will only play 24 minutes on Friday, but should be back to full speed after this one. The fifth-year guard has picked up his play in recent weeks. Over the last six games, Jones is averaging 13.2 points, 3.8 assists, and 1.8 rebounds across 26.2 minutes per game. Once he's back to full speed, Jones is worth a look as a streaming option in 12-team formats.
Washington Wizards guard Tre Johnson (hip) will return to the court for Friday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Johnson has been cleared to play after missing seven games due to a left hip flexor strain. Head coach Brian Keefe stated that Johnson won't have a full workload during his first game back. He didn't say how much Johnson would play, but his fantasy value will be hindered without a full workload. This season, Johnson is averaging 11.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists across 24.1 minutes in 15 games. The first-round pick won't be a recommended streaming option for Friday's big slate. Johnson could be worth a look as a streaming option once he's back to full speed.
Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (calf) is available for Friday's meeting with the Hornets. He missed the start of the 2025 campaign and has sat out sporadically since returning for the loss to the Utah Jazz on November 16. However, the extra time off due to the NBA Cup allowed White to get some much-needed rest. Despite the injury, he has averaged a career-high 22.1 points this season, adding 5.4 assists. Fantasy managers could see more production from the 25-year-old versus one of the worst defensive clubs in the National Basketball Association.
Charlotte Hornets center Moussa Diabate (knee) has been upgraded to available for Friday's game against the Chicago Bulls. He was previously listed as questionable, but is now set to return after a one-game absence. Diabate figures to return to his role as the primary backup center to Ryan Kalkbrenner. This season, Diabate is averaging 8.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists across 22.4 minutes per game. His overall ceiling is limited with Kalkbrenner being the starting big man. He offers low-end streaming appeal ahead of Friday's contest.
San Anthonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (calf) is expected to play in Saturday's NBA Cup meeting with the Thunder after missing the last 12 games due to a calf strain. The 2023 No. 1 overall pick was performing at an MVP-caliber level before going on the shelf, averaging 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists (all career-highs), 3.6 blocks, and 1.1 steals. Wemby will presumably see fewer than the 34.7 minutes he's averaged during the 2025 campaign, although that shouldn't stop fantasy managers from plugging him back into their starting lineups. On the other hand, DFS participants should proceed with caution, considering his hefty rostering cost as well as a tough matchup on the horizon against arguably the best defensive team in the National Basketball Association. Luke Kornet, who has been starting in place of Wembanyama, will almost certainly head back to the bench, eliminating nearly all of his fantasy value.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (illness) won't play on Friday against Indiana. The 25-year-old is in the MVP conversation this season. Unfortunately, he'll miss his first game of the 2025 campaign on Friday due to an illness. His next chance to suit up will be on Sunday in Atlanta. In the meantime, Jared McCain or Quentin Grimes could find themselves in the starting lineup, although both players should see considerably more minutes as well as an increase in scoring opportunities regardless of their roles.
