NBA roundup: Clippers rally past Raptors in OT for 5th straight win
Sat Jan 17 1:50am ET
Field Level Media
James Harden scored eight of his 31 points in overtime and added 10 assists Friday night as the visiting Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Toronto Raptors 121-117.
Ivica Zubac had 16 points and 14 rebounds for the Clippers, who overcame a 14-point deficit to win their fifth game in a row. The Clippers finished the game on a 20-8 surge -- including Harden scoring the last eight points of regulation.
Kawhi Leonard did not play for the Clippers because of a sprained right ankle.
Scottie Barnes scored 24 points for the Raptors, who have lost two of three. Brandon Ingram added 19 points, and Jamal Shead had 15 points and 13 assists.
Nets 112, Bulls 109
Michael Porter Jr. scored 26 points, including the go-ahead layup with 5.4 seconds remaining, as host Brooklyn eked out a victory over Chicago after blowing a 20-point lead.
Noah Clowney added 23 points and 11 rebounds to help the Nets stop a five-game losing streak and earn their second win over the Bulls this season. Day'Ron Sharpe contributed 14 points, rookie Danny Wolf chipped in 13 and Nic Claxton grabbed a season-best 14 rebounds.
Nikola Vucevic led the Bulls with 19 points and Dosunmu contributed 18 off the bench. Coby White contributed 17 and Matas Buzelis finished with 15 as Chicago lost for the fifth time in seven games.
Cavaliers 117, 76ers 115
Jaylon Tyson scored a career-high 39 points and set up Evan Mobley for the winning bucket as Cleveland posted a victory over Philadelphia to sweep their two-game road series in Philadelphia.
Tyson shot 13 of 17 from the field, 7 of 9 from 3-point range and 6 of 6 from the foul line in a splendid shooting effort. De'Andre Hunter added 16 points while Donovan Mitchell chipped in with 13 points and 12 assists for Cleveland, which played without Darius Garland.
Joel Embiid scored 33 points and Tyrese Maxey had 22 points and nine assists to pace the Sixers, who took their third loss in four games. Cleveland has won three of the past four.
Kings 128, Wizards 115
Russell Westbrook made a season-best six 3-pointers and scored 26 points and Domantas Sabonis energized the Kings in his first appearance since Nov. 16 to help Sacramento beat visiting Washington.
Sabonis, back from a knee injury, made 5 of 6 shots and had 13 points, six rebounds and five assists in 21 minutes off the bench. DeMar DeRozan added 17 points as the Kings extended their season-best winning streak to four games.
Alex Sarr scored 19 points and Tre Johnson had 18 for the Wizards, who lost their fifth consecutive game. Washington has dropped those contests by an average of 17.6 points.
Pacers 127, Pelicans 119
Jay Huff scored 29 points and grabbed nine rebounds, Andrew Nembhard went for a 19-point, 10-assist double-double and Indiana scored its fourth win in the last five games with a defeat of visiting New Orleans.
Huff set a career scoring high with 13-of-17 shooting from the floor, including 3 of 6 from 3-point range. He was one of five Pacers to knock down multiple 3-point attempts, led by Pascal Siakam's 4 of 8 effort. Siakam finished with 27 points, six rebounds and five assists.
Zion Williamson, who shot 10 of 12 from the field, led New Orleans with 27 points and seven assists. Trey Murphy III scored 22 points for the Pelicans, but was held to 7-of-21 shooting from the floor.
Rockets 110, Timberwolves 105
Kevin Durant capped a 39-point performance by sinking four free throws in the final minute as Houston sealed a victory over visiting Minnesota.
Durant finished 11 of 18 from the floor and 6 of 8 from 3-point range to lead Houston's comeback from a 12-point deficit. Alperen Sengun posted 25 points and 14 rebounds before fouling out late. Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson each added 14 points for the Rockets.
Naz Reid paired 25 points with nine rebounds off the bench for the Timberwolves, who were without leading scorer Anthony Edwards (foot). The teams combined to miss 29 free throws.
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- NBA roundup: Knicks lose game, Jalen Brunson to injury vs. Kings
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- James Harden shoots past Shaq for 9th in all-time scoring
- Celtics star Jaylen Brown fined $35K for officiating criticism
- Wolves C Rudy Gobert suspended 1 game for flagrant foul accumulation
Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (Achilles) is considered questionable for the first leg of a back-to-back on Saturday night against the Los Angeles Lakers. On Thursday, Grant ended a 14-game absence against the Atlanta Hawks, and the team understandably doesn't want to overwork the veteran so soon after his return. If Grant shakes off the questionable tag and plays, there's a strong chance he will sit out Sunday's contest against the Sacramento Kings. Due to Grant's health issues, Sidy Cissoko has seen increased minutes, starting five consecutive games. Cissoko should still play a significant role even if Grant remains in the lineup, as Deni Avdija (back) is likely to miss the Lakers game.
Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray (ankle, illness) is probable for Saturday's clash against the Washington Wizards. Despite dealing with an ankle sprain and an illness, Murray has posted back-to-back 30-point games and is expected to make a third consecutive appearance on Saturday. Washington allows the second-most fantasy points to point guards, so this could be another special outing for Murray. Should Murray have a setback and miss Saturday's game, Jalen Pickett would become a more appealing fantasy option.
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is considered probable for Saturday's action against the Washington Wizards. While Gordon remains on the injury report, the probable tag suggests he will be cleared to make a sixth consecutive appearance. Saturday's matchup is a juicy one for Gordon, who has logged 30-plus minutes in each of the last three games. He has averaged 20.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists over that stretch.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (calf) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Holiday recently ended a lengthy injury absence and has played in three consecutive games. However, Portland has a back-to-back scheduled for this weekend, and it's likely the veteran guard will sit out at least one of the games. Caleb Love's fantasy stock has been on the rise lately and would get a further boost with Holiday's absence. Rayan Rupert may also log additional minutes in the rotation.
Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Initially, there was hope Eason could return from a three-game absence when the team listed him as questionable on the injury report. Unfortunately, he will miss at least one more game with a right ankle sprain, as Houston has now officially ruled him out. Josh Okogie has a larger role without Eason, but he hasn't been a productive fantasy contributor. Eason's next chance to return will be on Sunday against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (knee) won't be in action on Friday night against the Washington Wizards. Ellis was a late addition to the injury report due to a knee problem, and the team has downgraded his status from questionable to out. It has been a frustrating season for Ellis, who has had an inconsistent role with the Kings. After logging 20-plus minutes regularly at the start of the month, Ellis was limited to only five minutes in Wednesday's win over the New York Knicks. Dennis Schroder is set to return from his suspension on Friday and will take Ellis's spot in the rotation.
Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward Deni Avdija (back) is listed as doubtful for a meeting with the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night. Avdija is having a big season, but unfortunately, he injured his back in a recent game against the New York Knicks. He is now likely to sit out a third consecutive game. Sidy Cissoko has been starting during Avdija's absence, but he faces extra competition for playing time after Jerami Grant returned to the lineup on Thursday against the Atlanta Hawks. While Grant made his comeback in a bench role, he could be an option to start sooner rather than later. Players like Grant, Jrue Holiday, and Shaedon Sharpe have more offensive usage with Avdija out.
Los Angeles Lakers point guard Luka Doncic (groin) has been ruled out for Saturday's tilt against the Portland Trail Blazers. The NBA's leading scorer is dealing with soreness in his left groin and will sit out at least one game. This is the front end of a back-to-back for the Lakers, so it's possible Doncic is simply getting some time off to rest. LeBron James' offensive usage will increase on Saturday, and Deandre Ayton (knee) may also get more scoring opportunities if he shakes off a questionable tag. Kobe Bufkin and Gabe Vincent are the prime candidates to fill in for Doncic in the starting unit.
Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (knee) has landed on the injury report with a questionable designation ahead of Saturday's favorable fantasy matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers. Only five teams have allowed more fantasy points to centers than the Trail Blazers, but Ayton may have to sit this one out due to a sore left knee. Jaxson Hayes (hamstring) is also questionable for the game, meaning Maxi Kleber and Drew Timme could be the Lakers' lone natural options at center. The team may also turn to Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt to fill out some of the minutes at the five position.
Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham (wrist) is on the injury report with a probable tag ahead of Saturday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Cunningham returned from a right wrist injury in Thursday's win over the Phoenix Suns and is expected to make a second consecutive appearance. It's possible Cunningham was still bothered by the injury to his shooting hand against Phoenix, as he managed only 10 points with a very poor 3-for-16 efficiency. Detroit's star man salvaged his fantasy line a bit with 11 assists. If Cunningham suits up on Saturday, he'll be expected to bounce back in a much more favorable matchup.
Sacramento Kings forward/center Domantas Sabonis (knee) has been officially listed as available for Friday's game against the Washington Wizards. Reports of Sabonis' return began circulating earlier this week, and the team listed him as questionable on the initial injury report. Sabonis hasn't played since Nov. 16, so he could have a limited workload against Washington. Even so, the Lithuanian star could be in for a big night, as Washington has given up more fantasy points to centers than any other team this season. Sabonis' return will be a blow to Maxime Raynaud's fantasy value.
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (toe, ribs) is listed as questionable for Saturday's contest against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Recently, Herro returned from a toe injury, and he is now also dealing with a rib contusion. Miami's backcourt is already missing Davion Mitchell (shoulder). As a result, Kasparas Jakucionis could jump into the first unit on Saturday. The Lithuanian rookie contributed 12 points and eight assists in a bench role on Thursday night against the Boston Celtics. There are also additional minutes available for Dru Smith and Pelle Larsson, who moved to the starting lineup on Thursday.
New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson (ankle) is considered questionable for Saturday's matchup against the Phoenix Suns. Brunson suffered a right ankle sprain on Wednesday night against the Sacramento Kings and wasn't available for the second leg of a back-to-back the next day against the Golden State Warriors. Miles McBride filled the gap in the first unit, finishing with 25 points and six assists. Assuming Brunson won't return on Saturday, McBride will continue to have additional fantasy value. That being said, the matchup on Saturday isn't ideal, as Phoenix gives up the sixth-fewest fantasy points to point guards.
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (ankle) is listed as questionable for Saturday's contest against the New York Knicks. Booker sprained his left ankle earlier this week and has already missed one game. His exit from the lineup on Thursday against the Detroit Pistons allowed Grayson Allen to start. The veteran sniper erupted for a game-high 33 points. If Booker remains out on Saturday, Allen is expected to lead Phoenix's offense again. Meanwhile, there would also be additional scoring touches for Dillon Brooks and Collin Gillespie.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum will replace Kawhi Leonard (ankle) in the starting lineup on Friday against the Toronto Raptors, Sportsnet's Blake Murphy reports. This will be the fourth start of the season for the French veteran. Previously, Batum has averaged 5.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists as a member of the starting unit. Although Batum's fantasy production has been modest, he could make an impact on Friday against a depleted Toronto lineup missing a couple of regular starters.
Chicago Bulls guard/forward Kevin Huerter (hip) will play on Friday against the Brooklyn Nets. He has been upgraded from probable to available ahead of the game. While Huerter has come off the bench in three consecutive games, he has recently improved his scoring numbers, reaching double figures each time. On Friday, Huarter will head out against a team that allows the ninth-most bench points in the league.
Chicago Bulls forward Julian Phillips (wrist) has been cleared for Friday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. The 22-year-old has missed a pair of contests due to a sprained wrist, but the team has upgraded him from questionable to available. Phillips will add depth to the Bulls' bench, nothing more. Patrick Williams could lose some minutes now that Phillips is back, though he performed well in Wednesday's victory against Utah, recording 13 points, five rebounds, and three assists.
Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (ankle) will play in Friday's contest against the Toronto Raptors. The team has upgraded his status from questionable to available. Zubac will be back in action after sitting out Wednesday's win over the Washington Wizards due to a left ankle sprain. Zubac's return will push Brook Lopez to the bench, and Yanic Konan Niederhauser will likely be out of the rotation. Friday's game is an uncomfortable spot for Zubac, since Toronto has given up the sixth-fewest fantasy points to centers this season.
Los Angeles Clippers forward/center John Collins (groin) will play on Friday against the Toronto Raptors. The veteran was a late scratch on Wednesday versus the Washington Wizards and was initially considered questionable for Friday's game due to a sore right groin. With Kawhi Leonard (ankle) out of the lineup, Collins could have a larger offensive role in Friday's game. He has recently had his best stretch of the season, averaging 15.7 points and 6.1 rebounds in January.
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Cooper Flagg (ankle) isn't expected to play on Saturday versus Utah. The rookie sprained his ankle during Wednesday's loss to the Chicago Bulls and didn't suit up for Thursday's meeting with the Jazz. Brandon Williams entered the starting lineup in that one, finishing with 18 points. Of course, others benefited as well, with Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, and Jaden Hardy combining for 63 points.
