NBA roundup: Devin Booker gets hurt, but Suns end Lakers' win streak
Tue Dec 2 2:24am ET
Field Level Media
Dillon Brooks scored 33 points and the Phoenix Suns overcame the loss of Devin Booker to earn a 125-108 road victory Monday that ended the Los Angeles Lakers' seven-game winning streak.
Collin Gillespie scored 28 points by going 8 of 14 from 3-point range as the Suns stopped a two-game skid by winning the opener of a four-game road trip.
Booker scored 11 points in 10 minutes of the first quarter before he departed with a groin injury. Coach Jordan Ott said postgame that the team would know more about Booker's status on Tuesday. Before leaving the game, Booker reached 17,000 points in 11 NBA seasons and became the third-youngest player with 17,000 points and 3,600 assists at 29 years, 32 days.
Luka Doncic scored 38 points and pulled down 11 rebounds while Austin Reaves added 16 points for the Lakers, who lost for just the third time in 16 games.
Cavaliers 135, Pacers 119
Donovan Mitchell scored 43 points and Jaylon Tyson added a season-high 27 as Cleveland beat Indiana in Indianapolis to end a three-game losing streak.
De'Andre Hunter and Evan Mobley scored 13 points apiece for Cleveland, which led by as many as 21 in the second quarter and never trailed after moving ahead 5-2. Mitchell had nine rebounds and six assists.
Pascal Siakam amassed 26 points and seven rebounds for the Pacers, who had won two straight for the first time after going 2-16 to open the season. Andrew Nembhard scored 21 points.
Pistons 99, Hawks 98
Jalen Duren produced 21 points and 11 rebounds as host Detroit escaped with a win over Atlanta.
Cade Cunningham contributed 18 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, six steals and three blocks for the Pistons. Cunningham's two hoops in the final minute allowed Detroit to hang on despite a late Hawks 3-pointer.
Jalen Johnson led the Hawks with 29 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists. Nickeil Alexander-Walker tossed in 26 points, and Onyeka Okongwu had 20.
Mavericks 131, Nuggets 121
Ryan Nembhard finished with 28 points and 10 assists, both career highs, Anthony Davis scored a season-high 32 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, and visiting Dallas beat Denver.
Cooper Flagg had 24 points and Klay Thompson added 15 for the Mavericks, who have won consecutive games for the first time this season.
Nikola Jokic had 29 points, 20 rebounds and 13 assists for the Nuggets, who lost their fourth straight home game. Spencer Jones scored 28 points to set a career high for the second straight game.
Wizards 129, Bucks 126
CJ McCollum scored 28 points while leading Washington to an improbable second-half comeback en route to a win over visiting Milwaukee.
Milwaukee led by 16 midway through the third quarter, but the Wizards got within range before going on a 10-1 run in the final 90 seconds of the game. The late surge featured 3-pointers from former Buck Khris Middleton, who had 15 points and six assists, and McCollum.
Marvin Bagley III added 22 points and eight rebounds for the Wizards, who have won two of their past three games in the wake of a 14-game losing streak. Kevin Porter Jr., who exited with a lower back spasm midway through the fourth, led Milwaukee with 30 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo added 26 points and seven boards.
Heat 140, Clippers 123
Norman Powell sank six of Miami's franchise-record-tying 24 3-pointers as the Heat blew out visiting Los Angeles.
Powell put up 30 points and shot 6-for-10 from long distance for the Heat, who won for the seventh time in eight games. Bam Adebayo set a career high with five treys while scoring 27 points and grabbing a season-high 14 rebounds.
Los Angeles' Kawhi Leonard led all scorers with 36 points, 19 of them coming in the fourth quarter. James Harden finished with 11 points in only 20 minutes while Ivica Zubac contributed 16 points and 13 rebounds for the Clippers, who have lost eight of nine.
Magic 125, Bulls 120
Anthony Black saved five of his 22 points for a late surge, Desmond Bane capped a 37-point effort with a late go-ahead 3-pointer and Orlando held off visiting Chicago for its third consecutive win.
Bane shot 12 of 17 overall and 10 for 10 at the foul line in running up a season-high-tying point total. He also found time for six rebounds and five assists. Black grabbed nine rebounds, while Franz Wagner chipped in with 25 points.
Josh Giddey paced a balanced Chicago attack with 22 points. He was joined by Matas Buzelis with 21 and Nikola Vucevic and Tre Jones with 20 apiece. Ayo Dosunmu put up 18 points to go with a game-high seven assists.
Nets 116, Hornets 103
Michael Porter Jr. scored a season-high 35 points as Brooklyn ended its nine-game home losing streak to start the season, defeating Charlotte in New York.
Porter returned after missing the previous two games due to back tightness and made 13 of 24 shots, including 7 of 11 from 3-point range. Noah Clowney added 18 points as the Nets stopped a four-game overall skid.
Rookie Kon Knueppel scored a game-high 18 points for the Hornets, who were denied a third straight win and dropped their eighth straight road game. LaMelo Ball collected 12 points and 14 assists.
Jazz 133, Rockets 125
Lauri Markkanen scored 29 points and Keyonte George added 28 to lead Utah to a victory over Houston in Salt Lake City.
Jusuf Nurkic registered 18 points and a team-high nine rebounds for the Jazz in a rematch of Houston's 129-101 win at Salt Lake City on Sunday. George had a team-high eight assists.
Kevin Durant led the Rockets with 32 points and nine rebounds. Alperen Sengun chipped in 31 points and 14 assists while Amen Thompson added 23 points, but their efforts were not enough to extend Houston's five-game road winning streak.
- NBA roundup: Devin Booker gets hurt, but Suns end Lakers' win streak
- Suns G Devin Booker (groin) exits game vs. Lakers
- NBA roundup: Jalen Johnson's career night lifts Hawks past 76ers in 2OT
- LeBron James (foot) won't play against Pelicans
- Warriors to sign G Seth Curry
- NBA roundup: Pacers sink Bulls on Pascal Siakam's buzzer shot
- Thunder C Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) out at least 10-14 days
- Hawks PG Trae Young (knee) to be re-evaluated in two weeks
- NBA roundup: Luka Doncic burns Mavs, Lakers sweep NBA Cup group
- Thunder star Jalen Williams (wrist) making season debut vs. Suns
- Mavericks F Anthony Davis (calf) to return vs. Lakers
- Wizards' Corey Kispert to miss time with thumb fracture
- Warriors G Stephen Curry to have MRI on right quad
- NBA roundup: Celtics snap Pistons’ 13-game winning streak
- Knicks G Landry Shamet (shoulder) out 4-plus weeks
- Raptors G/F RJ Barrett (knee sprain) out at least a week
- NBA roundup: Lakers win 5th straight, clinch West Group B
- Mavericks C Dereck Lively II (foot) out at least 3 more games
- Ex-NBA champ Rick Fox running for office in Bahamas
- Lakers sign F Drew Timme to two-way contract
Golden State Warriors guard/forward Jimmy Butler III (glute) is considered questionable for Tuesday's clash against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Warriors are already without Stephen Curry (quadriceps) and may now face the defending champions without two of their top scorers. Butler III is averaging 20.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.6 steals during his first full season with the Warriors. His exit from the lineup would likely give Jonathan Kuminga a chance to return to the starting lineup after coming off the bench in back-to-back games. Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody will be used more on the offensive end, boosting their fantasy appeal.
Golden State Warriors forward/center Draymond Green (foot) has been listed as probable for Tuesday's Western Conference showdown against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The veteran continues to deal with a right midfoot sprain, which caused him to miss one game last week. However, the probable designation indicates that Green will be good to go against the Thunder. Green had a very quiet outing in this season's first meeting with the defending champions, finishing a 126-102 loss on Nov. 11 with three points, two rebounds, four assists, and one steal. If Green suffers a setback and can't play, Quinten Post could be in for a busy night in the Warriors frontcourt, especially with Al Horford (sciatica) remaining out on Tuesday.
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (calf) is listed as probable on the injury report, indicating that he is expected to return to the lineup on Tuesday against the New York Knicks. White sat out the second leg of a back-to-back on Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers due to a calf issue. Sam Hauser got a start in White's place and is set to move back to the second unit for Tuesday's contest. White has posted some awful shooting numbers this season, but he is still averaging 16.0 points per game, only 0.4 points shy of his career high. Across 33.3 minutes of action, White has also notched 4.0 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.7 steals. He is having a career year on defense.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (knee, back) once again has a questionable designation on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's matchup against the Washington Wizards. Since he made his season debut last month, George has played in five of Philadelphia's seven games. On Tuesday, he might be sidelined again as George is battling a lower back issue, in addition to his left knee injury, which required surgery in the summer. VJ Edgecombe, Jared McCain, and Quentin Grimes (calf) get more scoring opportunities without George, especially with Joel Embiid (knee) already ruled out for Tuesday night. Grimes is expected to play despite dealing with calf soreness.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) won't suit up for Tuesday's contest against the Washington Wizards. On Sunday, Embiid returned from a nine-game absence in a loss to the Atlanta Hawks. He finished a double-overtime game with 18 points, four rebounds, two assists, one block, and one steal in 30 minutes. Andre Drummond (knee) has previously provided solid fantasy production during Embiid's absence, but he might also miss Tuesday's game after getting hurt against the Hawks. As a result, we could see a big night from Adem Bona in a favorable matchup against a squad that allows the most fantasy points in the league to centers.
Nuggets' C Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 29 points, 13 assists and 20 rebounds in a 121-131 loss to the Mavericks on Monday, Dec. 1.
Cavaliers' G Donovan Mitchell scored 43 points on 16-of-27 shooting in a 135-119 win over Indiana on Monday, Dec. 1.
Bucks' G Kevin Porter Jr. scored 30 points on 12-of-15 shooting in a 126-129 loss to Washington on Monday, Dec. 1. Porter Jr. is owned in only 65.4% leagues.
Charlotte Hornets guard/forward Brandon Miller (shoulder) has been ruled out ahead of Monday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. Miller took a fall during Saturday's contest and briefly exited the game. He returned to the court shortly afterwards but might have re-aggravated his left shoulder injury during that contest. Regardless, Miller has been scratched from this game but will hopefully be available for their next game. In the meantime, Collin Sexton should see increased run without Miller on the court. Sexton has had some quality performances lately, posting 15 points or more in each of his last five games. Fantasy managers should consider Sexton a viable streaming option for Monday's slate. He played 33 minutes during Saturday's contest and should see a familiar workload in this one.
Detroit Pistons guard Duncan Robinson (ankle) won't play on Monday against Atlanta. The 31-year-old hasn't missed a game this season. Unfortunately, that will come to an end on Monday night after he tweaked his ankle during the win over the Miami Heat on Saturday. Robinson's next chance to play will be on Wednesday in Milwaukee. Daniss Jenkins, averaging 19.3 points, 8.8 assists, and 1.5 steals in four starts, will presumably take his place in the rotation, although he may have a tough time being as productive with Caris LeVert (knee) and Cade Cunningham in the equation.
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (leg) will play on Monday versus the Hawks after sitting out Saturday's 138-135 win over the Miami Heat. The 22-year-old has looked terrific this season despite missing three games, averaging a career-high 19.5 points and 11.8 rebounds with 1.1 blocks. He'll make his return against a Hawks team that won't have Kristaps Porzingis (illness), which could certainly increase his fantasy ceiling. Duren's presence should mean Isaiah Stewart, who had nine points and eight boards on Saturday, will head back to the bench.
Milwaukee Bucks forward/centerGiannis Antetokounmpo(adductor) is good to go for Monday's matchup with the Washington Wizards. The former MVP is managing a left adductor injury but will remain in the lineup for tonight's tilt. He finished with 29 points on Saturday against Brooklyn and missed a double-double by just two rebounds despite playing just 19 minutes. In his first meeting with the Wizards this campaign, Antetokounmpo went for a 37-point, 14-rebound double-double in just 27 minutes and he should be fresh for this evening after limited action in his last outing.
Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. (back) will play on Monday night versus the Charlotte Hornets after missing the previous two contests due to lower back tightness. The former Nugget is having easily the best year of his career, averaging 24.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. His shooting percentage from deep is at an all-time low. However, Porter has made up for it with his contributions in all statistical areas. With that in mind, Porter is a must-start in any fantasy setup, especially against one of the worst defensive clubs in the National Basketball Association. Ziaire Williams, who started in the last two games, may head back to the bench, although that may not happen, considering Terance Mann (rib) won't suit up.
Cleveland Cavaliers guardSam Merrill(hand) will be out of action on Monday against the Indiana Pacers. Merrill will miss his seventh consecutive contest due to a sprained right hand, and there isn't a timetable for his return. Cleveland's backcourt will be very short-handed this evening, with Lonzo Ball (illness) and Darius Garland (rest) also sidelined. Jaylon Tyson should be considered a solid streaming option, as he will get more scoring opportunities with more time on the floor.
Cleveland Cavaliers guardLonzo Ball(illness) won't play on Monday against the Indiana Pacers due to an illness. Ball also sat out Sunday's matchup with the Celtics. Darius Garland (rest) andSam Merrill(hand) are sidelined as well, meaningCraig Porter Jr. could absorb extra minutes off the bench. Fantasy managers could also look to Jaylon Tyson for reliable offensive production as he will have an expanded role this evening.
Houston Rockets centerSteven Adams(rest) will miss Monday's game against the Utah Jazz. Adams will have tonight's tilt off to rest after finishing with 13 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block across 17 minutes during a 129-101 win over the Jazz on Sunday. Clint Capela will likely be assigned extra minutes with Adams out this evening. However, Capela shouldn't be viewed as a solid fantasy basketball option, as he is averaging just 3.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per contest this season.
Cleveland Cavaliers guardDarius Garland (rest) is unavailable for Monday's clash against the Indiana Pacers. Garland will have the second half of back-to-back games off to rest. The 25-year-old finished with 21 points, three rebounds and eight assists across 31 minutes during Sunday's 117-115 loss to the Celtics. With Lonzo Ball (illness) also out of action, Cleveland's backcourt will have to turn to Tyrese Proctor and Craig Porter to take on extra minutes during tonight's tilt.
Atlanta Hawks centerKristaps Porzingis(illness) won't play on Monday night versus the Detroit Pistons. Porzingis will be held out of action for the third consecutive contest due to illness. Despite playing in only 12 games this season, the 30-year-old is still considered an everyday fantasy option, averaging 18.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in 26.3 minutes. It's unknown if he'll be ready to go on Wednesday against the Clippers. In the meantime,Onyeka Okongwu remains a must-start at center in all fantasy formats as he is averaging 16.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.9 blocks and 1.5 steals across 20 outings.
Dallas Mavericks centerDaniel Gafford(ankle) is unavailable for Monday's matchup with the Denver Nuggets. Gafford will be out of action for the second game in a row due to ankle injury management. His next chance to suit up will be Wednesday against the Heat. With Dereck Lively II (foot) also unavailable this evening, Dwight PowellandMoussa Cisse will take most of the available minutes at the five. Fantasy managers will likely get more value out of Powell tonight as he finished with nine points, five rebounds, three assists, six steals, and one block in 34 minutes during Saturday's win over the Clippers.
Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (knee) exited Sunday's game against Atlanta after six minutes and did not return, leaving his status for upcoming contests unclear. Drummond has been productive recently with 8.8 points, 14.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks across his last five full outings, so any absence would open a path for second-year big Adem Bona. Bona logged 22 minutes with four points, three rebounds, and two blocks on Sunday and profiles as a deeper-league stream for defensive stats if Drummond misses time.
