NBA roundup: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander-led Thunder top Pistons in OT
Tue Mar 31 3:02am ET
Field Level Media
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 47 points to lift the host Oklahoma City Thunder to a 114-110 overtime win over the short-handed Detroit Pistons on Monday in a matchup of conference leaders.
Gilgeous-Alexander opened overtime with a step-back jumper, found Alex Caruso for a corner 3-pointer with just more than a minute remaining and then hit six free throws in the final minute. Oklahoma City won for the 15th time in 16 games.
Detroit was short-handed, playing without its top five scorers, but the Pistons stayed in the game in large part due to a 16-4 advantage in second-chance points.
The Pistons, who got 21 points and 10 rebounds from Paul Reed, had their two-game winning streak snapped.
Spurs 129, Bulls 114
Victor Wembanyama continued his brilliant play by racking up 41 points and 16 rebounds while helping host San Antonio to a victory over Chicago in a late-season interconference clash.
The Spurs won for a league-leading ninth straight outing and kept pace with Oklahoma City in the hunt for the best record in both the Western Conference and the NBA as a whole. It was Wembanyama's third game with 40 or more points this season. Stephon Castle added 21 points for San Antonio while Keldon Johnson scored 15.
Tre Jones led Chicago with 23 points. Leonard Miller added 21 off the bench, Collin Sexton had 20, Guerschon Yabusele hit for 15 points and Matas Buzelis finished with 12 for the Bulls, who have already been eliminated from the postseason.
Heat 119, 76ers 109
Tyler Herro hit two key 3-pointers, Bam Adebayo recorded a 23-point, 16-rebound double-double in a head-to-head with Joel Embiid, and Miami came on strong down the stretch to turn back visiting Philadelphia.
Herro finished with a game-high 30 points and Pelle Larsson added 20 for the Heat, who moved into a virtual eighth-place tie in the Eastern Conference with Orlando.
Embiid had a team-high 26 points and Tyrese Maxey 23 for the 76ers, who remained in seventh place in the East but saw their lead over the Heat and Magic cut to 1 1/2 games.
Hawks 112, Celtics 102
Jalen Johnson collected 20 points, 12 rebounds and five assists as Atlanta extended its home winning streak to 13 games with a victory over Boston.
Atlanta received 20 points, 10 rebounds and three assists from Onyeka Okongwu, plus 18 points from Dyson Daniels. The Hawks have won 16 of their past 18 games.
Jaylen Brown led Boston with 29 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, but he shot 9 of 29 from the field and committed six turnovers. Luka Garza added 20 points and nine boards for the Celtics, and Payton Pritchard finished with 16 points.
Suns 131, Grizzlies 105
Devin Booker scored 36 points while playing just three quarters and Jalen Green added 21 points and six boards as visiting Phoenix trounced Memphis.
The Suns won their second straight by closing strong, outscoring the Grizzlies 40-16 in the final quarter. The Suns were dominant in the paint, where they scored 68 points.
Memphis got 17 points off the bench from Tyler Burton but lost for the 14th time in 16 games. Cam Spencer scored 16 on 6-of-9 shooting, including 4-of-5 success from long range.
Lakers 120, Wizards 101
LeBron James posted the 125th triple-double of his career while leading Los Angeles to a comprehensive win over visiting Washington.
James compiled 21 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists to become, at 41 years, 90 days, the oldest player to notch a triple-double, surpassing his own record of 41 years, 79 days. It was his third triple-double of the season. Austin Reaves, Jaxson Hayes and Luke Kennard contributed 19 points apiece for the Lakers, who have won 15 of their past 17 games.
Will Riley scored 20 points, Justin Champagnie added 18 and Tristan Vukcevic had 14 for Washington, which has lost 19 of its past 20 outings.
Cavaliers 122, Jazz 113
Evan Mobley scored a season-high 34 points, collected a season-high 17 rebounds and blocked three shots to lead Cleveland past Utah in Salt Lake City.
Donovan Mitchell added 34 points to help the Cavaliers win their fifth consecutive road game. James Harden dished out a game-high 14 assists to go along with 13 points, and The Cavaliers outscored the Jazz 82-40 in the paint.
Kyle Filipowski tallied 20 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals to lead Utah. Cody Williams added a team-high 26 points for the Jazz, who have lost six straight games and 10 of their past 11 contests.
Timberwolves 124, Mavericks 94
Ayo Dosunmu recorded his second career triple-double, finishing with 18 points, a career-high 15 rebounds and 12 assists to lead Minnesota to a road rout of Dallas.
With All-NBA guard Anthony Edwards coming off the bench and limited to 22:37 of playing time in his return from a knee injury, Dosunmu stepped up to shoulder some of the offensive load. Rudy Gobert posted 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Julius Randle netted a game-high 24 points.
Daniel Gafford led Dallas with 21 points on 9-of-11 field-goal shooting, while Rookie of the Year hopeful Cooper Flagg was held more than eight points below his season-long scoring average with 12 points on 5-of-19 shooting from the floor.
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Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones (hamstring) is listed as questionable ahead of Saturday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Fellow teammate Peyton Watson (hamstring) has already been ruled out for Game 1, but Jones has a chance to play through his injury. The absence of Watson could potentially mean a bigger role for Jones, assuming he's able to play. It's worth noting that Jones hasn't played since late March. When healthy, Jones was averaging 22.1 minutes per game, but the Nuggets might not push him too hard considering he hasn't played in a few weeks. If they both sit out, Cameron Johnson and Aaron Gordon would likely play heavy minutes with Tim Hardaway Jr. possibly seeing more of a role as well.
Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's Game 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Watson missed the final five games of the regular season due to a lingering hamstring issue. He has been limited to non-contact work in practice. With that being said, Watson hasn't made enough progress to get back on the court yet. Cameron Johnson should start with Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown seeing expanded roles off the bench. Johnson could be an interesting DFS option without Watson available for at least the first game of this series.
Charlotte Hornets center Moussa Diabate (hip) is available to play ahead of Friday's Play-In game against the Orlando Magic. Diabate will shake the questionable tag and suit up for this elimination contest. The big man finished with eight points and 14 rebounds during the first Play-In victory over the Miami Heat. He played 36 minutes during that game and figures to have a similar role during Friday's game. DFS players should take a look at Diabte as a possible double-double threat against the Magic. Ryan Kalkbrenner and Grant Williams will see backup minutes behind him, but they won't be as appealing DFS options.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Ayo Dosunmu (calf) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Saturday's playoff contest against the Denver Nuggets. Dosunmu missed the regular season finale due to a calf issue, but he appears to be fine now. The Wolves are glad to have Dosunmu back for the beginning of this series. Over the last 10 games, Dosunmu is averaging 18.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. It's unclear if he'll start or come off the bench, but regardless, Dosunmu should play an important role for the Wolves during the postseason.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Anthony Edwards (knee) is questionable for Saturday's Game 1 against the Denver Nuggets. Due to a knee issue, Edwards played in only three of the last 14 regular-season games, and it looks like he still hasn't fully recovered. Minnesota would be in serious trouble against the Nuggets if Edwards can't play. Mike Conley, Ayo Dosunmu, and Bones Hyland all benefited from Edwards' ongoing health issues late in the regular season and could now also get extra work during the playoffs.
Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (knee) will suit up for Game 1 against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday. Allen returned from a right knee injury late in the regular season, but the team elected to keep him out of the final two games. Evan Mobley (calf), who was rested for the regular-season finale, will also be back. Cleveland's twin towers face a big battle against Jakob Poeltl, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Collin Murray-Boyles. Allen faced the Raptors only once during the regular season and struggled, settling for six points and eight rebounds in a 126-113 loss on Nov. 13.
Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (knee) will miss Friday's Play-In Tournament Game against the Charlotte Hornets. The team has downgraded his status from questionable to out. Isaac is struggling to overcome a left knee sprain, having last played on March 12. That said, the Magic can cope just fine with his absence. During the regular season, Isaac averaged only 2.6 points and 2.5 rebounds in 10.0 minutes per game.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (ankle) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Saturday's Game 1 against the Toronto Raptors. The seven-time All-Star sat out Cleveland's last two regular-season games to manage an ankle injury. Mitchell has built a reputation as an outstanding postseason performer, averaging 28.3 points through 63 career playoff games. However, things might not go smoothly for him in the first-round series, as Toronto did a good job defensively against him during the regular season. In two games against the Raptors, Mitchell made only 34.2 percent of his field-goal attempts, averaging 24.0 points.
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (ankle) will play in Game 1 against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. He hurt his left ankle during the final week of the regular season and sat out Sunday's loss to Charlotte. Fortunately, Anunoby won't have to miss the postseason opener, as the team hasn't included his name on the injury report. In three regular-season clashes, Anunoby posted two double-doubles against the Hawks, averaging 18.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.7 steals. This matchup seems to suit Anunoby, and he could be one of the stars of the series.
New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (ankle) will be in the lineup on Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks. He didn't play in New York's final two regular-season games to manage an ankle injury. Robinson has done a good job as a backup big man all season, and Atlanta knows firsthand how effective he can be. The 28-year-old made two appearances against the Hawks during the regular season, notching 7.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 2.0 steals in 19.0 minutes per game.
New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson (ankle) will be active on Saturday in Game 1 against the Atlanta Hawks. The star guard has managed an ankle injury late in the season and didn't play in Sunday's loss to the Charlotte Hornets, but the team has removed him from the injury report ahead of the playoff opener. During the regular season, Brunson struggled to make three-pointers against the Hawks but was still productive on offense, averaging 29.3 points and 7.7 assists across three meetings. The three-time All-Star has regularly elevated his game in the postseason, and the Knicks will go as far as he takes them in the playoffs.
Toronto Raptors point guard Immanuel Quickley (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Saturday's playoff opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He exited Toronto's regular-season finale early due to a tight right hamstring. The team considers him day-to-day. If Quickley isn't available on Saturday, Jamal Shead and Ja'Kobe Walter will compete for a starting role. Between the two, Shead has been more productive as a starter, recording averages of 11.5 points, 7.5 assists, and 1.3 steals this season.
Cleveland Cavaliers center Thomas Bryant (calf) will remain out on Saturday against the Toronto Raptors. He suffered a left calf strain late during the regular season and won't be in the lineup for a fifth consecutive game. Bryant has practiced in a limited capacity this week, so it's possible he can return later in the series. With Bryant unavailable, Larry Nance Jr. returned to the rotation for the final few regular-season games, but he isn't expected to see much action in the playoffs.
Golden State Warriors forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (ankle) is expected to play on Friday against the Phoenix Suns, ESPN's Anthony Slater reports. The Latvian veteran remains questionable on the injury report, but he appears ready to play through right ankle soreness. After struggling late during the regular season, Porzingis opened the Play-In Tournament with a strong performance on Wednesday, notching 20 points, five rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and one steal in 28 minutes against the Clippers. Due to his ankle issue, Porzingis might have a lighter workload on Friday night, leaving more playing time for Al Horford and Gui Santos.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (abdomen) has been officially ruled out for Sunday's Game 1 against the Boston Celtics, The Athletic's Tony Jones reports. "I'm just worried about Sunday, and I know he's not playing in that one. So I'm just trying to put together a great game plan for Sunday," 76ers head coach Nick Nurse told reporters on Friday. Embiid hasn't played since April 6, missing the last three regular-season games and one Play-In Tournament game after undergoing an appendectomy. Adem Bona finished the regular season as Philadelphia's starting center, while Andre Drummond also had an expanded role.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (elbow) is expected to be shopped again this offseason as the franchise continues its rebuild, with league executives believing a deal remains possible despite recent struggles. Morant played just 20 games this season before being shut down with a UCL sprain and averaged 19.5 points on 41.0 percent shooting, a dip from his All-Star peak. His uncertain situation adds risk in dynasty formats, while Memphis' youth movement could boost roles for players like GG Jackson II and Santi Aldama if the roster fully resets.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham and Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic are now eligible for all 2025-26 season honors, according to Shams Charania, after winning their Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge to the 65-game rule. Both remain elite fantasy anchors, with Doncic averaging 33.5 points, 4.0 three-pointers, 7.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.6 steals, while Cunningham posted 23.9 points, 2.0 three-pointers, 5.5 rebounds, 9.9 assists and 1.4 steals across 64 games. This removes any award-related uncertainty in keeper formats. Anthony Edwards was denied, slightly lowering his end-of-season accolade outlook.
Golden State Warriors center Quinten Post (foot) is out for Friday's West 8th seed play-in tournament matchup against Phoenix, marking his ninth straight absence due to a right foot injury. His continued absence keeps Golden State in a tightened rotation, placing more frontcourt responsibility on Kristaps Porzingis (ankle) if cleared after posting 20 points, three triples, five rebounds, five assists, one steal, and two blocks in 28 minutes Wednesday. Draymond Green and Gui Santos should maintain steady roles, while Al Horford remains a deeper streaming option for points and rebounds off the bench.
Golden State Warriors forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (ankle) is questionable for Friday's West play-in matchup for the 8th seed against Phoenix after appearing to favor his ankle following Wednesday's win over the Clippers. He posted 20 points, three triples, five rebounds, five assists, one steal, and two blocks in 28 minutes in that game. If he sits, Al Horford would likely step into a larger role after logging 14 points and three rebounds in 23 minutes, making him a viable deep-league streamer. Draymond Green and Gui Santos should also see stable minutes, while Gary Payton II could pick up additional run.
Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (foot) is questionable for Friday's West 8th seed Play-In Tournament game against Golden State after dealing with left foot soreness and logging 22 minutes in Tuesday's loss to Portland. If he sits, Oso Ighodaro is expected to start. His fantasy appeal remains limited despite three points, one rebound, six assists, and one steal in 23 minutes last game, while averaging 6.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists across 22 minutes this season. Ighodaro is a low-cost DFS punt who can return value with rebounds and out-of-position assists if he sees enough minutes, while Devin Booker and Jalen Green should continue to carry the offensive load.
