NBA roundup: Pistons dominate Knicks to cap season sweep
Fri Feb 20 12:08am ET
Field Level Media
Cade Cunningham totaled 42 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds as the Detroit Pistons pulled away in the second half and completed a season sweep of the host New York Knicks with a 126-111 victory on Thursday.
Detroit won the three meetings by a combined 84 points, improving its regular-season winning streak vs. New York to six games. The Knicks had won the previous 16 matchups between the teams.
Cunningham made 17 of 34 shots and posted his third 40-point game of the season. Paul Reed filled in for Jalen Duren (NBA suspension) and contributed 18 points, seven rebounds and three blocks as the Pistons won for the ninth time in 11 games.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 33 points and eight assists. Karl Anthony-Towns added 21 points and 11 rebounds as New York lost for the third time in five games.
Hawks 117, 76ers 107
Jalen Johnson recorded 32 points, 10 rebounds and five assists as Atlanta continued its dominance of host Philadelphia to end a three-game losing streak.
Atlanta won despite 43.2% shooting from the field and a 10-of-32 showing (31.2%) from 3-point range. CJ McCollum chipped in with 23 points off the bench for the Hawks, who improved to 3-0 against the 76ers this season.
Tyrese Maxey scored 28 points on 8-of-23 shooting for the Sixers, while VJ Edgecombe contributed 20 points and nine rebounds. Andre Drummond notched 10 points and 14 rebounds for the hosts, who were without Joel Embiid (knee) and Paul George (suspension) and lost their third straight.
Cavaliers 112, Nets 84
Donovan Mitchell scored 17 points and James Harden had 16 points and nine assists as host Cleveland dominated Brooklyn, extending its winning streak to six and at one point holding its largest lead of the season.
Jarrett Allen posted 15 points and 10 rebounds for Cleveland, which led from wire to wire for the second straight game and has won 11 of its last 12. Dennis Schroder made two free throws late in the third quarter to put Cleveland up 102-59, its biggest margin of the season.
Michael Porter Jr. scored 14 points and Ochai Agbaji had 13 points off the bench for Brooklyn, which shot 34.5% from the field. Danny Wolf collected 11 points, six rebounds and seven assists.
Rockets 105, Hornets 101
Kevin Durant poured in 35 points on 14-for-20 shooting as Houston fended off host Charlotte for a victory in the first game after the All-Star break.
Jabari Smith Jr. added 15 points and Alperen Sengun and Reed Sheppard both scored 13 points for the Rockets, who benefitted from 16 Charlotte turnovers. Houston has won five consecutive road games.
The Hornets had won 10 of their previous 11 games, but they had too many rough patches that prevented them from sweeping the season series. Grant Williams cranked in 20 points. LaMelo Ball, playing a day after he was involved in an automobile accident, had 11 points in 31 minutes, making one of his six 3-point attempts.
Spurs 121, Suns 94
Stephon Castle scored 20 points as San Antonio dominated short-handed Phoenix in Austin, Texas, to win its seventh straight game.
Victor Wembanyama added 17 points, 11 rebounds, five blocks and four assists for the Spurs, who led by 12 at halftime before opening the gap to 29 in the third quarter.
Jalen Green's 26 points led the Suns, who have dropped two straight. Devin Booker missed the second half due to right hip soreness, and Phoenix was without Grayson Allen (ankle) and Dillon Brooks (league suspension).
Wizards 112, Pacers 105
Bub Carrington, Jaden Hardy, Anthony Gill and Kadary Richmond each scored 13 points as Washington beat visiting Indiana.
The Wizards finished with seven double-figure scorers while snapping a three-game losing streak. Washington forced 23 turnovers to help win the first of back-to-back matchups against the Pacers.
Jarace Walker led Indiana with 19 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists. Rookie Taelon Peter had a career-high 16 points as the Pacers' two-game winning streak ended.
Raptors 110, Bulls 101
Brandon Ingram scored 31 points to fuel visiting Toronto to a victory over Chicago.
Ingram added eight rebounds and six assists to help the Raptors defeat the Bulls for the second time this month. Scottie Barnes logged 14 points and nine rebounds for Toronto, which benefited from 23 turnovers by Chicago to pick up its eighth win in 12 games.
Anfernee Simons scored 20 points and Isaac Okoro added 16 for the Bulls, who saw their losing streak extend to seven. Tre Jones recorded 12 points and six assists and Josh Giddey had five and five in their returns from their left hamstring injuries.
- NBA roundup: Pistons dominate Knicks to cap season sweep
- Suns star Devin Booker (hip) exits game vs. Spurs
- NBA plans to add anti-tanking rules next season
- JJ Redick expects Lakers to have Luka Doncic, others back vs. Clippers
- Trae Young closer to Wizards' debut, Anthony Davis progressing
- MRI clean on Warriors star Stephen Curry's ailing knee
- All-Star events draw biggest audience in 24 years
- Lakers name Lon Rosen president of business ops
- Suns owner Mat Ishbia blasts teams for 'ridiculous' tanking 'done by losers'
- Bulls' Josh Giddey, Tre Jones probable to return vs. Raptors
- Hawks convert F Caleb Houstan to standard contract
- Cooper Flagg's jersey from NBA debut sells for $1M
- 76ers sign 2-way F Jabari Walker to NBA deal
- Hornets star LaMelo Ball uninjured in two-car accident
- Kings' Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine have season-ending surgeries
- Hawks to re-evaluate F Jonathan Kuminga (knee) in 1 week
- Magic F Franz Wagner (ankle) out indefinitely
- Sixers sign veteran G Cameron Payne
- Mavericks G Kyrie Irving sidelined until 2026-27 season
- Jazz F Jaren Jackson Jr. has surgery to remove growth in left knee
Indiana Pacers forward/center Pascal Siakam (personal) will miss Friday's rematch with Washington after sitting out Thursday's contest as well. His next opportunity to return comes Sunday against Dallas. With Siakam sidelined and Aaron Nesmith (ankle) also out, Indiana has leaned heavily on Jarace Walker, who logged 30 minutes and delivered 19 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and one 3-pointer in the first meeting with Washington. Micah Potter added 14 points and six rebounds in 27 minutes. Walker is a must-stream in all formats, while Potter profiles as a viable deep-league add until Siakam returns.
Memphis Grizzlies guards Ty Jerome (calf) and Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe) have been ruled out for Friday's matchup against Utah. Expect Cam Spencer, Javon Small, and Jahmai Mashack to pick up the slack in the backcourt while the usual ball handlers sit. Spencer logged 22 minutes with nine assists and one steal in a Feb. 11 loss to Denver, while Mashack posted nine points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block in 22 minutes. Small last played Feb. 9, recording eight points, two 3-pointers, and two steals in 21 minutes. Spencer profiles as the safest deep-league assist streamer, while Mashack offers multi-category upside in expanded run.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) is not listed on the injury report for Friday's game against the Clippers after missing four contests before the All-Star break. He saw limited action during All-Star weekend and could have his workload managed in his first Lakers appearance since Feb. 5. In his last five games, Doncic averaged 26.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 3.6 3-pointers in 28.4 minutes, carrying a 37.6 percent usage rate. He remains a must-start in all formats, though managers should monitor minutes. Austin Reaves and LeBron James may see slightly reduced on-ball volume with Doncic back.
Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (finger) will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season after undergoing a procedure to correct a finger issue. The veteran wing closes the year averaging 8.4 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.5 rebounds in 21.3 minutes across 51 games. His absence opens steady perimeter minutes in a thin rotation. Cam Spencer logged 22 minutes with nine assists and one steal in a Feb. 11 loss to Denver, while Jahmai Mashack produced nine points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block in the same contest. Walter Clayton Jr. (calf) is another candidate for an expanded run once his injury subsides. Spencer profiles as the safest deep-league assist streamer.
Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (knee) is not listed on the injury report for Friday's game against the Clippers after missing two contests before the All-Star break. With the roster back to full strength, Ayton is expected to reclaim his starting role, pushing Jaxson Hayes to the bench. Over his last five games, Ayton has averaged 12.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 27.5 minutes, offering steady rebounding with modest usage behind Luka Doncic and LeBron James. He profiles as a mid-tier center hold, while Hayes loses short-term streaming appeal.
Indiana Pacers guard/forward Aaron Nesmith (ankle) will sit out Friday's matchup against Washington after turning his ankle in the first half Thursday. With Nesmith sidelined and Pascal Siakam (personal) also away from the team, Indiana is thin on the wing. Kobe Brown stepped into an expanded role and logged 33 minutes in the previous loss to Washington, producing 12 points, nine rebounds, one assist, one block, and two 3-pointers. His game log has been volatile, but the path to minutes is clear, making him a deep-league streamer. Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard should also see stable workloads.
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (hip) will not return to Thursday's game against San Antonio after exiting late in the second quarter. He finished with five points and one rebound in nine minutes before being ruled out. If the issue lingers, there is a clear usage vacuum behind his 30.2 percent rate and 34.0 minutes per game. Jordan Goodwin logged 27 minutes off the bench in the 121-94 loss, posting 10 points, four rebounds, one assist, and two 3-pointers, making him a short-term deep-league streamer. Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks would also see added shot volume if Booker sits Saturday against Orlando.
Boston Celtics' F Jaylen Brown recorded a triple-double, finishing with 23 points, 13 assists and 15 rebounds in a 121-110 win over Golden State on Thursday, Feb. 19.
Detroit's G Cade Cunningham recorded a double-double, scoring 42 points with 13 assists in a 126-111 win over New York on Thursday, Feb. 19.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (knee) will be re-evaluated in 10 days as he continues to deal with a persistent right knee injury, and he is expected to miss at least five more games. Curry has not played since Jan. 30, leaving a 33.5 percent usage rate absent from the lineup. In the most recent loss to San Antonio, Brandin Podziemski logged 16 points in 36 minutes, while De'Anthony Melton added 17 points and five threes in 25 minutes. Pat Spencer saw 31 minutes. Podziemski and Melton profile as strong short-term holds, with Draymond Green likely seeing more playmaking duties.
Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (ankle) is out for Thursday's game against San Antonio after being ruled out with a right ankle sprain. Allen had just returned from a knee issue before landing back on the injury report, creating another rotation shift on the wing. In the last game against Oklahoma City, Jordan Goodwin logged 28 minutes and finished with 12 points, four rebounds, four assists, one steal, and two threes, while Royce O'Neale posted 12 points and four threes in 24 minutes. Goodwin is a viable short-term streamer, and O'Neale gains value in three-point formats alongside Devin Booker.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (abdomen) will be sidelined for at least one more week and is set for re-evaluation, remaining out alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) and Jalen Williams (hamstring). The absence keeps Oklahoma City's backcourt thin. Over the last five games, Isaiah Joe has averaged 16.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.4 threes in 28.1 minutes, while Cason Wallace has posted 11.0 points, 4.2 assists, and 1.8 steals in 30.8 minutes. Aaron Wiggins has added 10.8 points and 1.6 steals in 24.8 minutes. Wallace is the safest hold, with Joe and Wiggins viable category streamers.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Cedric Coward (knee) won't play on Friday versus Utah. The rookie has had a quality inaugural campaign, averaging 13.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. He also hasn't missed many games. Unfortunately, Coward will be sidelined for a second-straight contest due to a hyperextended right knee. His next chance to get back on the floor will be on Saturday in Miami. With that said, Jahmai Mashack will likely remain in the starting lineup, with the 23-year-old averaging 8.5 points and 4.0 steals in two starts this season.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (hamstring) is scheduled to be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks, extending his absence after aggravating the injury earlier this month. With Williams sidelined and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) also out, perimeter minutes remain available. Over his last five games, Cason Wallace has averaged 11.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.8 steals in 30.8 minutes, while Aaron Wiggins has posted 10.8 points and 1.6 threes in 24.8 minutes. Alex Caruso is adding 1.0 steals in 19.4 minutes. Wallace profiles as the safest hold, with Wiggins and Caruso viable deep-league streamers.
Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Santi Aldama (knee) remains out for Friday's meeting with Utah. He has been battling a nagging knee injury, costing him the previous four games leading up to the All-Star break. It appears he might be back on Saturday in Miami. However, while Aldama is out of commission, Kyle Anderson will likely handle things in the middle to begin the game. Olivier-Maxence Prosper, coming off 14-point, five-rebound effort in the loss to the Denver Nuggets ahead of the All-Star break, remains in line for additional minutes and scoring chances, especially with so many names listed on the injury report for the Grizzlies.
Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic (nose) won't play on Friday versus Memphis. The veteran is listed as out on the injury report due to injury management purposes, so he'll likely be back on Monday in Houston. In the meantime, Kyle Filipowski will presumably remain in the starting lineup. Filipowski is coming off a solid 15-point, nine-rebound, six-steal effort in the loss to the Trail Blazers ahead of the All-Star break.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) will be re-evaluated in approximately one week and is set to miss additional time after sitting out since Feb. 3. With the All-Star sidelined alongside Ajay Mitchell (abdomen), Oklahoma City's backcourt minutes are wide open. Over his last five games, Isaiah Joe has averaged 16.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.2 steals, and 3.4 threes in 28.1 minutes, while Cason Wallace has produced 11.0 points, 4.2 assists, and 1.8 steals in 30.8 minutes. Jared McCain added 13 points in 24 minutes last game. Joe and Wallace are strong streamers, with Chet Holmgren likely absorbing added usage.
Toronto Raptors forwards/centers Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) and Sandro Mamukelashvili (rib) are available for Thursday's game against Chicago, but their upside hinges on minutes in a crowded frontcourt with Jakob Poeltl active. Over his last five games, Murray-Boyles averaged 9.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.6 blocks in 25.7 minutes, flashing category juice if the workload holds. Mamukelashvili posted 15.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.8 threes in 25.3 minutes across that span. Both carry deep-league appeal, yet Poeltl's presence caps ceilings, leaving Scottie Barnes as the safest frontcourt play.
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (ankle) remains out for Friday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. The 22-year-old missed three games because of a left ankle injury at the beginning of February. While he returned for the matchup with the Orlando Magic on February 7, he tweaked his right ankle and will now miss his fourth-straight contest. It's unknown how close George is to returning to the floor, although it's certainly realistic to assume he could miss more games moving forward. Jusuf Nurkic (nose) also won't suit up on Friday, meaning Lauri Markkanen, Ace Bailey, Isaiah Collier, and Brice Sensabaugh should receive extra scoring opportunities on the offensive end.
Chicago Bulls forward Jalen Smith (calf) is available to play ahead of Thursday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Smith will play after missing the final three games before the All-Star break due to a lingering calf injury. The return of Smith should mean reduced roles for Guerschon Yabusele and Nick Richards. Over the last 12 games, Smith is averaging 13.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists across 26.8 minutes per game. Smith figures to see an uptick in value as the starter with Nikola Vucevic being traded away at the deadline. Fantasy managers should keep Smith on their radar, assuming he can stay healthy.
