NBA roundup: Raptors' Scottie Barnes sinks game-winning free throw, 76ers in OT
Mon Jan 12 12:50am ET
Field Level Media
Scottie Barnes made the game-winning free throw in the final second of overtime to help the Toronto Raptors defeat visiting the Philadelphia 76ers 116-115 on Sunday in the first game of a back-to-back between the teams.
The 76ers took a four-point lead in overtime before the Raptors rallied with a 7-0 run. Collin Murray-Boyles' dunk put Toronto ahead by three with 35 seconds to go, but Philadelphia's VJ Edgecombe's 3-pointer tied the game at 115 with 15 seconds left before Barnes got to the line.
Barnes had 31 points for the Raptors, who have won four of five. Jamal Shead added 22 points and made the shot to force overtime in the opener of a two-game set in Toronto. Immanuel Quickley added 20 points while Murray-Boyles had 17 points, 15 rebounds, three blocks and three steals.
Tyrese Maxey scored 38 points for the 76ers, who had won their two previous games. Edgecombe scored 17 points and Kelly Oubre Jr. added 13 points, three blocked shots and four steals. Dominick Barlow had 13 points and three blocks, and Quentin Grimes also scored 13 points.
Timberwolves 104, Spurs 103
Anthony Edwards scored 23 points on 10-for-21 shooting and Minnesota rallied for a win over San Antonio in Minneapolis.
Donte DiVincenzo scored 19 points for the Timberwolves, who won for the fifth time in their past six games. Naz Reid posted a double-double off the bench with 17 points and 11 rebounds for Minnesota, which erased a 19-point deficit to grab its first lead in the final minutes.
Victor Wembanyama scored 29 points and grabbed seven rebounds to lead the Spurs, who lost for the first time in three games. Keldon Johnson scored 15 points off the bench, and Julian Champagnie finished with 14 points.
Grizzlies 103, Nets 98
Memphis scored the game's final 13 points to erase an eight-point deficit with three minutes remaining and defeat visiting Brooklyn.
Rookie Cedric Coward paced the Grizzlies with 21 points and eight rebounds, Jock Landale added 16 points and nine boards and Santi Aldama finished with 15 points and eight rebounds. Jaren Jackson Jr. had 14 points and Cam Spencer contributed 12 points and a career-high-tying 13 assists.
The Nets got 17 points apiece from Noah Clowney and Tyrese Martin. Danny Wolf finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds and Jalen Wilson also scored 11 for Brooklyn.
Nuggets 108, Bucks 104
Aaron Gordon had 23 points, including two free throws with 4.4 seconds left, and host Denver held on to beat Milwaukee.
Tim Hardaway Jr. scored a team-high 25 points off the bench, Peyton Watson added 19 points, Zeke Nnaji contributed 14 points and 10 rebounds and Jalen Pickett scored 13 points for the Nuggets, who were missing Jamal Murray and Christian Braun.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 31 points and 11 assists, Myles Turner scored 16 points, AJ Green and Bobby Portis finished with 14 points apiece and Kyle Kuzma had 11. Milwaukee trailed by 14 points midway through the fourth quarter before cutting the deficit to as little as two points in the final seconds.
Hawks 124, Warriors 111
Nickeil Alexander-Walker had a team-high 24 points and Atlanta welcomed two new players to the action in a road romp over Golden State in San Francisco.
Luke Kennard contributed five 3-pointers to a game-breaking run bridging the third and fourth quarters and finished with six from long distance and a season-high 22 points, helping the Hawks win their third in a row and their first with CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert in uniform.
Atlanta acquired McCollum and Kispert from the Washington Wizards last week in exchange for four-time All-Star guard Trae Young. McCollum contributed 12 points and four assists while Kispert had two points and three assists in 14 minutes. Stephen Curry led all scorers with 31 points and Jimmy Butler III added 30 for the Warriors.
Magic 128, Pelicans 118
Desmond Bane scored 27 points, Anthony Black had 26, Goga Bitadze had a double-double and host Orlando beat New Orleans.
Bitadze finished with 14 points and 13 rebounds, Paolo Banchero has 23 points, eight rebounds and eight assists and backup Tristan da Silva added 16 points for the Magic, who outscored the Pelicans 37-20 in the fourth quarter.
Zion Williamson scored 22, Trey Murphy III and Jordan Poole scored 21 each, Jeremiah Fears had 16, Karlo Matkovic added 11 and Derik Queen 10 for New Orleans, which lost for the 10th time in 11 games.
Knicks 123, Trail Blazers 114
Jalen Brunson had 26 points and eight assists, helping New York beat host Portland.
OG Anunoby added 24 points and Karl-Anthony Towns posted a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double for the Knicks, who had dropped five of their last six. Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges scored 18 points apiece, while Mitchell Robinson pulled down 11 rebounds off the bench.
Deni Avdija's 25 points paced the Trail Blazers, followed by Shaedon Sharpe's 23 and Caleb Love's 21, which included five 3-pointers. Robert Williams III chipped in 12 and Toumani Camara had 11 for Portland, which had its five-game winning streak ended.
Thunder 124, Heat 112
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 29 points to lead Oklahoma City to a home win over Miami.
The Thunder have won three in a row while the Heat lost their third straight for their fourth setback in five contests. Gilgeous-Alexander started slowly but then got hot, scoring 16 points in a 39-point third quarter. Jalen Willaims scored 18, Chet Holmgren finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds and Ajay Mitchell scored 16.
Andrew Wiggins led Miami with 23 points while Tyler Herro added 19 and Pelle Larsson 16. The Heat were without leading scorer Norman Powell (23.8 points per game), who sat out with lower-back soreness on the second night of a back-to-back.
Suns 112, Wizards 93
Royce O'Neale scored a season-high 19 points and made five 3-pointers, Devin Booker added 17 points and host Phoenix blew out Washington.
Dillon Brooks scored 16 points, Grayson Allen added 12 and Mark Williams had 11 points and seven rebounds for the Suns, who have won nine of 11. Phoenix, which led by 32 in the fourth, gave up their fewest points of the season while only one starter logged more than 26 minutes.
Alex Sarr had 19 points and 15 rebounds, Tre Johnson scored 19 points and made three 3-pointers and Bilal Coulibaly added 12 points for the Wizards, who have lost four of five.
Kings 111, Rockets 98
DeMar DeRozan scored 22 points to lead six in double figures for Sacramento, which snapped a seven-game losing streak with a win over visiting Houston.
The Kings shot 48.4% from the field and outscored the Rockets 19-8 over the final 5:55 to win for the first time since Dec. 27. Zach LaVine scored 18 points for Sacramento, which had lost 17 of its previous 20 games. Russell Westbrook had 15 points and 10 assists, Malik Monk added 15 points, Maxime Raynaud scored 12, and Precious Achiuwa chipped in 10 and rookie center Dylan Cardwell recorded career highs with nine points and 11 rebounds.
Amen Thompson matched his season high with 31 points and added 13 rebounds and six assists for the Rockets, who lost their third straight. Kevin Durant scored 23 points and Alperen Sengun added 19.
- NBA roundup: Raptors' Scottie Barnes sinks game-winning free throw, 76ers in OT
- 76ers C Joel Embiid out vs. Raptors
- NBA roundup: Hornets lead by as many as 57 points, crush Jazz
- Kings G Dennis Schroder suspended 3 games, allegedly for confronting Luka Doncic
- NBA roundup: Down 21, Thunder storm past Grizzlies
- Kevin Durant passes Wilt Chamberlain on all-time scoring list
- Mavericks' Anthony Davis (hand) may need surgery
- Grizzlies reportedly open to trading Ja Morant
- Trae Young eyes 'opportunity' with Wizards, bids farewell to Hawks
- NBA roundup: Pacers snap 13-game losing streak with win over Hornets
- Giannis Antetokounmpo ask Bucks for a trade? 'Never'
- NBA roundup: Paolo Banchero bankshot lifts Magic past Nets in OT
- Hawks trade 4-time All-Star PG Trae Young to Wizards
- Hawks' Trae Young eyes Wizards as preferred destination
- Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (knee) questionable vs. Jazz
- NBA roundup: Grizzlies rally, nip Spurs on late block
- Kings F Keegan Murray (ankle) out 3-4 weeks
- Heat's Tyler Herro cleared for return: 'I just had to get healthy'
- Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell (rest) out vs. Pacers
- NBA roundup: Visiting Hornets shock Thunder with blowout win
Houston Rockets guard Aaron Holiday will move into the starting five ahead of Sunday's game against the Sacramento Kings. He'll take over with the starting unit with Tari Eason (ankle) ruled out. A shift into the starting five doesn't exactly make Holiday an appealing fantasy option. This season, Holiday is averaging 6.3 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 13.8 minutes per game this season. He has been barely cracking 10 minutes in the rotation lately. Holiday was producing decent streaming value with 20-plus minutes, so he could offer low-end streaming value with an extended look. His overall value might also be dependent on the status of Alperen Sengun (ankle), who is currently a game-time decision.
Denver Nuggets guard/forward Christian Braun (ankle) has been downgraded to out ahead of Sunday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Braun was originally probable, but will now sit out Sunday's game due to an ankle problem. His absence should mean that Bruce Brown will move into the starting five. Brown has been an inconsistent fantasy option, but is worth a look with a heavier workload. He finished with 19 points and six rebounds across 39 minutes of action against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday. Fantasy managers looking for help on Sunday night should consider Brown.
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is available to play ahead of Sunday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Gordon is ready to go after being listed as probable on the injury report earlier in the day. He'll move into the starting five on Sunday, but the Nuggets are likely to continue monitoring his minutes. Since returning, Gordon is averaging 15.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists over his last four games. Given the injuries on this roster, Gordon should be leaned on more offensively, with Jamal Murray (ankle, illness) and Christian Braun (ankle) both out.
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (ankle, illness) is ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. He will miss his second straight game due to an ankle issue and lingering illness. The already banged-up Nuggets will need to rely on Jalen Pickett to play big minutes once again. He has posted back-to-back seven-point performances, but the increased playing time does make Pickett more appealing for Sunday's slate. Fantasy managers looking for a streaming option should consider Pickett, as he'll at least be able to offer low-end value.
Atlanta Hawks center Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles) is ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Golden State Warriors. Porzingis will miss his second game in a row due to left Achilles tendinitis. When healthy, Porzingis is a viable fantasy option, but he has only been able to suit up for 17 games this season. His absence should mean increased playing time for Mouhamed Gueye and Asa Newell in the rotation. Neither player has been consistent enough to warrant streaming in most 12-team redraft formats. As for Porzingis, his next chance to play will come on Tuesday, so fantasy managers should check back for another update.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. (hip) is officially available ahead of Sunday's game against the Denver Nuggets. Porter was listed as probable earlier in the day due to a left hip contusion. It won't be enough to hold him out of this game, so he should play his regular role in the rotation. Porter is playing extremely well lately, with two double-doubles over his last four games. This season, Porter is averaging 18.6 points, 7.7 assists, and 5.1 rebounds in 34.4 minutes per game. Fantasy managers can safely deploy Porter into their lineups ahead of tip-off on Sunday.
Denver Nuggets guard/forward Christian Braun (ankle) has been downgraded from probable to questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. This is not a good sign, especially with the 8:00 pm ET tip-off quickly approaching. Braun was held scoreless across 25 minutes of action during Friday's game. The ankle issue that forced him to miss 23 games could still be bothering him. The Nuggets would likely use a committee approach to fill the void if Braun is unable to play. Bruce Brown, Jalen Pickett, and Tim Hardaway Jr. are all candidates to see additional minutes. Between the trio, Pickett is the best streaming choice, but Hardaway is also a decent option with the Nuggets banged up right now.
Miami Heat guard Norman Powell (back) is ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Powell was a late addition to the injury report due to lower back soreness. It's the second night of a back-to-back set, so the Heat will take the cautious approach and hold out Powell. With him sidelined, Pelle Larsson and Jaime Jaquez Jr. are candidates to see increased playing time. Between the two, Jaquez is the most appealing streaming option. When healthy, Jaquez has been a viable fantasy option and should see a boost without Powell available.
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (toe, ribs) has been cleared to suit up for Sunday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Herro is working through a pair of injuries, but will play through them during the second leg of the back-to-back on Sunday. It didn't seem to impact him on Saturday when he dropped 21 points, seven rebounds, and four assists across 32 minutes of action. Herro could be asked to take on a larger role offensively with Norman Powell (back) ruled out for this contest. Fantasy managers in season-long formats can go ahead and get Herro active ahead of tip-off. Herro is also looking like an elite DFS option with the Heat missing a key shooter in Powell for Sunday's game.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (knee) is available to play ahead of Sunday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He will shed the questionable tag and play through a left knee bone bruise. The knee issue hasn't impacted his performance as he finished with 21 points, six rebounds, and three blocks across 26 minutes on Saturday. The Spurs have been monitoring his minutes lately, but it hasn't stopped him from being an elite fantasy option. Fantasy managers can safely get Wembanyama back in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (calf) will play on Sunday against the Knicks. He hasn't played in nearly two months. As a result, it may take him at least a few contests to find his footing. With that said, Holiday was averaging 16.7 points before going down with the injury, his highest in years, so fantasy managers can get him back in the lineup.
New York Knicks forward Josh Hart (ankle) will play on Sunday against Portland. He sprained his right ankle during the Christmas win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, keeping him off the floor for the Knicks' last eight contests. The 30-year-old was averaging 12.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.4 steals before going down. Although Hart might have his minutes reduced for at least a few games, he can be added back to all fantasy lineups for the favorable matchup.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center Chet Holmgren (shin) will be back in the lineup on Sunday against the Miami Heat. He missed Friday's win over the Memphis Grizzlies due to shin pain. With Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) out for an eighth consecutive game, Holmgren will be expected to handle much of the heavy lifting in the middle for the reigning champions. Branden Carlson will also pick up a few extra minutes, despite moving back to the bench with Holmgren's return.
Sacramento Kings guard Dennis Schroder has been suspended for three games for confronting and attempting to strike another player, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. The German veteran reportedly waited 40 minutes after the Kings' loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Dec. 28 before approaching an unnamed player and initiating an altercation. Schroder's suspension will start with Sunday's matchup against the Houston Rockets. His absence from the lineup will open up more playing time for Malik Monk, Nique Clifford, and Devin Carter.
Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (knee) will remain out on Sunday against the Golden State Warriors, missing a second consecutive game. The French sophomore is sidelined due to inflammation in his left knee. With Risacher out of commission, Vit Krejci received the starting nod on Friday night against the Denver Nuggets. Unfortunately, he couldn't get going in a blowout win, finishing with zero points on 0-for-8 shooting. He went 0-for-7 with his three-point attempts. Defensively, Krejci contributed well, notching two steals and two blocks.
Atlanta Hawks forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles) is considered questionable for an encounter with the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. The Latvian veteran didn't play in Friday's blowout win over the Denver Nuggets due to left Achilles tendinitis. With Porzingis out, Mouhamed Gueye and Asa Newell saw more action off the bench. However, neither player impressed, and their impact on Sunday may be even smaller, as Golden State allows the fewest bench points in the league.
Denver Nuggets forward/center Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is expected to make his third consecutive appearance on Sunday against the Milwaukee Bucks, as the team has listed him as probable on the injury report. The high-flying veteran is slowly working his way back to 100 percent after a hamstring injury. In his first few games back in the lineup, Gordon has been limited to a bench role. Yet, he has still made a significant impact, averaging 16.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists.
Milwaukee Bucks point guard Kevin Porter Jr. (hip) is listed as probable for Sunday's tilt against the Denver Nuggets. The talented guard is dealing with a hip contusion, but the issue doesn't appear serious enough to knock Porter Jr. out of the lineup. While Porter Jr. has struggled with his three-point shot lately, he has still provided plenty of fantasy value. Across four January appearances, the 25-year-old is averaging nearly a double-double, with 16.7 points and 9.7 assists per game. Porter Jr. also often makes a mark on the defensive end. He had four steals in Friday's win over the Los Angeles Lakers and is averaging 1.7 steals for the month.
Denver Nuggets guard/forward Spencer Jones (ankle, illness) is listed as questionable for Sunday's meeting with the Milwaukee Bucks. He hurt his left ankle this week and is also battling an illness. Due to his health issues, Jones may be absent for a second consecutive game. If Jones doesn't return on Sunday, Hunter Tyson could make a second consecutive start. On Friday, he was in the first unit for only the third time in his career, finishing a heavy loss to the Atlanta Hawks with 10 points, four rebounds, four assists, and one steal.
Denver Nuggets guard/forward Christian Braun (ankle) is probable for Sunday's tilt against the Milwaukee Bucks. He is expected to make his third consecutive appearance. Braun recently returned from an ankle injury, and he's had a very tough time shaking off the rust. In three outings since his return, Braun has averaged 4.0 points and 3.5 rebounds with 33.3 percent shooting. Things were particularly difficult for him on Friday against the Atlanta Hawks, as Braun failed to make any of his five field-goal attempts.
