NBA roundup: Jaylen Brown pours in 50 as Celtics rout Clippers
Sun Jan 4 1:52am ET
Field Level Media
Jaylen Brown tied a career high with 50 points, Derrick White added 29 and the sharp-shooting Boston Celtics earned a 146-115 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, who saw their six-game winning streak end Saturday night at Inglewood, Calif.
Anfernee Simons scored 15 points and Jordan Walsh added 13 points with 13 rebounds as Boston went 4-1 on their road trip while improving to 12-3 since Nov. 30. The Celtics shot 55.2% from the floor as they matched their season high for points in a game.
Kawhi Leonard and John Collins each scored 22 points as the Clippers lost for the first time since Dec. 18 against the champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Los Angeles had doubled its victory total during the winning streak.
James Harden scored 18 points with 12 assists and Derrick Jones Jr. scored 19 for Los Angeles, which saw Ivica Zubac (ankle) return from a five-game absence to score four points in 21 minutes. Jones departed with 9:25 remaining in the game with a right leg injury.
Timberwolves 125, Heat 115
Anthony Edwards scored a game-high 33 points, and reserve Naz Reid added 29 points as Minnesota defeated host Miami. Edwards, who entered the night ranked eighth in the NBA in scoring average (29.1), made 10 of 19 shots from the floor.
The Timberwolves, who have won five of their past eight games, also got 23 points and 10 rebounds from Julius Randle. Rudy Gobert posted a double-double with 13 points and a game-high 12 rebounds.
The Heat, who had their four-game win streak snapped, were led by Norman Powell (21 points). Powell temporarily left the game in the second quarter due to right-leg soreness.
76ers 130, Knicks 119
Tyrese Maxey scored 36 points to highlight Philadelphia's road win over slumping New York.
Maxey finished 14 of 22 from the field (6 of 9 from 3-point range), while rookie VJ Edgecombe knocked down four 3-pointers in a strong 26-point performance. Joel Embiid added 26 points and 10 rebounds as the 76ers prevailed in the finale of a five-game road trip.
The Knicks matched a season high with their third straight loss despite 31 points from Jalen Brunson. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 23 points and 14 rebounds for New York, while OG Anunoby notched 19 points for the hosts.
Raptors 134, Hawks 117
RJ Barrett scored a season-best 29 points and Brandon Ingram also scored 29 as Toronto defeated visiting Atlanta.
Scottie Barnes added 20 points, Sandro Mamukelashvili had a near-triple-double with 13 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists and Immanuel Quickley scored 15. The Raptors have won all three meetings against the Hawks so far this season.
Atlanta's Nickeil Alexander-Walker led all scorers with 31 points, Jalen Johnson finished with 30 points, nine assists and seven rebounds and Dyson Daniels added 20 points and 12 assists. But their efforts weren't enough without the services of Trae Young (quad), Kristaps Porzingis (return-to-competition conditioning) and Luke Kennard (back).
Trail Blazers 115, Spurs 110
Deni Avdija amassed a 29-point, 11-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included a key 3-pointer in the final minute to help visiting Portland hold on for a win over short-handed San Antonio.
Both teams were playing the second game of a back-to-back, but it was the Trail Blazers who responded the best. Donovan Clingan finished with a career-high 24 points along with 10 rebounds, while Toumani Camara scored 20 points. Caleb Love had 16 off the bench as Portland won for the second consecutive game and for the fourth time in its past five contests.
Luke Kornet led the Spurs with 23 points on 10-of-12 shooting. Julian Champagnie added 20 points and 10 rebounds and De'Aaron Fox hit for 19 points. San Antonio played without star center Victor Wembanyama (left knee injury) for the second straight game and for the third contest in a row without starting guard Devin Vassell (adductor strain).
Warriors 123, Jazz 114
Stephen Curry scored 20 of his team-high 31 points in the third quarter and Golden State overcame a double-digit deficit and the ejection of Draymond Green for a triumph over Utah in San Francisco.
Jimmy Butler III and Quinten Post added 15 points apiece for the Warriors, who bounced back from a 37-point shellacking at home by the Oklahoma City Thunder one night earlier.
Lauri Markkanen led all scorers with 35 points for Utah, which led 58-48 with 2:25 left in the second quarter when Green received a pair of technical fouls and was ejected. Green, who rested on Friday against the Thunder, was disputing a non-call on what he thought was a 3-second violation on Utah's Kyle Filipowski.
Mavericks 110, Rockets 104
Anthony Davis scored 26 points, Max Christie shot 10-of-13 from the floor en route to 24 points and host Dallas capitalized on Alperen Sengun's injury to defeat Houston.
Sengun sprained his right ankle just one minute into the contest, sending the star center, who averages 22.6 points, 9.3 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game, to the locker room and out for the remainder of the game. Davis controlled the paint in Sengun's absence, grabbing 12 rebounds and notching five blocked shots.
Kevin Durant scored a game-high 34 points for Houston. Tari Eason and Amen Thompson both recorded double-doubles, with Eason finishing with 19 points and 10 rebounds and Thompson going for 20 points and 12 rebounds.
Hornets 112, Bulls 99
Miles Bridges had 26 points and 14 rebounds, helping Charlotte defeat host Chicago.
Brandon Miller added 22 points, while Kon Knueppel scored 18 for the Hornets, who snapped a three-game losing streak. LaMelo Ball added 17 points, Collin Sexton chipped in 13 and PJ Hall tallied 10 points for Charlotte, which outscored the Bulls 62-41 in the second half.
Nikola Vucevic finished with 28 points, eight assists and seven rebounds for Chicago, which saw its two-game winning streak snapped. Matas Buzelis scored 17, Ayo Dosunmu had 16 and Tre Jones totaled 10 points. Kevin Huerter had nine points, 11 rebounds and seven assists for the Bulls, who shot 11-for-41 (26.8%) on 3-pointers.
- NBA roundup: Jaylen Brown pours in 50 as Celtics rout Clippers
- Magic lose G Jalen Suggs (knee) for undetermined period of time
- C Ivica Zubac (ankle) available for surging Clippers
- Hawks’ Kristaps Porzingis, Trae Young out vs. Toronto
- Spurs' Victor Wembanyama, Devin Vassell out vs. Trail Blazers
- NBA roundup: Giannis Antetokounmpo sets 30-10-5 mark in Bucks' win
- Stephen Curry among three key Warriors out vs. Thunder
- NBA roundup: Heat top East-leading Pistons in 4th straight win
- Nuggets C Jonas Valanciunas (calf) to miss at least month
- Jrue Holiday nearing a return for Trail Blazers
- NBA roundup: Julian Champagnie (11 treys) leads Spurs past Knicks
- Spurs' Victor Wembanyama leaves game due to leg injury
- NBA roundup: Sixers edge Grizzlies with late 3-pointer in OT
- NBA fines Suns G Jalen Green $25,000 for profanity on live TV
- Nuggets exhale, Nikola Jokic (knee) to miss month
- NBA roundup: Nuggets lose Nikola Jokic, fall to Heat
- Nuggets star Nikola Jokic (knee) questionable to return vs. Heat
- Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo lead All-Star voting
- NBA roundup: Kawhi Leonard's game for the ages lifts Clippers past Pistons
- Jose Alvarado, Mark Williams suspended for roles in Pelicans-Suns fight
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (ankle) is listed as probable for Sunday's game against Brooklyn despite a mild left ankle sprain. Murray logged 39 minutes Friday versus Cleveland and carried a depleted lineup with 34 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, reinforcing his high-usage role while Nikola Jokic (knee) and Cam Johnson (knee) remain out. With Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Christian Braun (ankle) now questionable, Murray's workload could stay elevated, especially on the front end of a back-to-back. He remains a must-start fantasy option, though managers should monitor for potential maintenance later in the set.
Milwaukee Bucks forward/center Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) is listed as probable for Sunday's matchup against Sacramento, marking his second straight probable designation. Antetokounmpo showed no limitations Friday versus Charlotte, posting 30 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and one steal in 30 minutes. Since returning from injury, he has averaged 29.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 27.1 minutes over his last four games. Giannis remains a locked-in fantasy anchor, while Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. continue to benefit from stable spacing and defensive attention drawn inside.
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (hip) will be re-evaluated in two weeks after spraining his hip Dec. 30, sidelining him through at least mid-January. With Harris and Jalen Duren (ankle) both out, Detroit's frontcourt rotation should continue to shift. Isaiah Stewart is positioned to benefit most, averaging 9.8 points and 2.4 blocks in 23.8 minutes over his last five. Paul Reed should see an expanded role at center, boosting his short-term streaming appeal. Ron Holland II could see more minutes, though his fantasy output has been inconsistent.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Vince Williams Jr. (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Lakers, extending his absence to eight straight contests due to left knee tendinitis. With Williams still sidelined, Memphis continues to lean on its depleted wing rotation. Cedric Coward has been the most productive beneficiary, averaging 14.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 three-pointers in 27.3 minutes over his last seven games. Cam Spencer has added steady playmaking, while Jaylen Wells and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope remain situational fantasy options in deeper formats.
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (ankle) will be re-evaluated in one week after spraining his ankle during Thursday's loss to Miami, sidelining him for at least that span. With Duren and Tobias Harris (hip) out, Isaiah Stewart and Paul Reed should absorb most of the frontcourt minutes. Stewart has averaged 9.8 points and 2.4 blocks in 23.8 minutes over his last five. Reed is expected to see an expanded role after previously posting 19.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.0 steals, and 2.0 blocks in two starts. Ron Holland II may see additional minutes, though his fantasy production has been unreliable.
Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud (knee) will be available for Sunday's game against Milwaukee after an MRI showed no structural damage to his left knee. Raynaud briefly exited Friday's loss to Phoenix but avoided a serious issue and is expected to remain in the starting lineup with Domantas Sabonis (knee) sidelined for multiple weeks. In his last 13 starts, Raynaud has averaged 13.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while shooting 56.1 percent from the field in 30.4 minutes per game. He profiles as a steady standard-league hold with continued double-double upside.
Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) will miss a fourth straight game Sunday against Phoenix and continues to be ruled out in advance, with his next chance to play Monday versus Charlotte. His absence keeps Chet Holmgren anchored in the middle, where he posted 15 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, and four blocks in 26 minutes Friday. Jalen Williams should continue to chip in on the glass, while Branden Carlson logged 22 minutes off the bench and delivered 15 points and 11 rebounds, making him a deep-league streaming consideration if frontcourt absences persist.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Saddiq Bey (hip) will miss a second straight game Sunday against Miami due to a right hip strain. Bey's absence has opened wing minutes, though the fantasy results have been uneven. Bryce McGowens has started each of the last four games but is averaging just 6.3 points on volatile shooting across 25.3 minutes, making him a risky streaming option. Micah Peavy's playing time has fluctuated sharply, limiting his usefulness even in deeper formats. Bey's next chance to return comes Tuesday against the Lakers.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (ankle) has been ruled out for a seventh straight game Sunday against Miami due to a right ankle sprain. With Jones and Saddiq Bey (hip) both sidelined, New Orleans continues to test its wing depth, though fantasy results have been underwhelming. Over the last six games, Bryce McGowens has averaged 5.0 points and 2.3 rebounds in 20.0 minutes, while Jordan Hawkins has posted 2.8 points in 11.4 minutes. Micah Peavy has chipped in 2.7 points in 12.2 minutes. All three remain risky, deep-league-only options. Jones' next chance to return comes Tuesday against the Lakers.
Brooklyn Nets center Nicolas Claxton (personal) will miss a second straight game Sunday against Denver, with his next chance to return Wednesday versus Orlando. Claxton's absence once again elevates Day'Ron Sharpe into a high-utility fantasy role. Sharpe started Friday's loss to Washington and delivered 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks in 30 minutes, continuing his trend as a strong per-minute producer whenever Claxton sits. Sharpe profiles as an automatic short-term stream and viable standard-league option, while Noah Clowney and Danny Wolf see modest frontcourt minutes without consistent fantasy floors.
Indiana Pacers guard/forward Bennedict Mathurin (thumb) will not play Sunday against Orlando due to a right thumb sprain, leaving Indiana short-handed on the wing. With Mathurin sidelined, Aaron Nesmith profiles as the most reliable fantasy beneficiary after drawing a start last game and logging 29 minutes. Over his last four since returning from injury, Nesmith has averaged 10.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.5 three-pointers, and 1.3 blocks in 25.9 minutes, offering low-end standard-league value. Johnny Furphy and Ben Sheppard should see extra run, but their fantasy appeal remains limited to deeper formats.
Washington Wizards guard/forward Kyshawn George (hip) will miss a fifth straight game Sunday against Minnesota and remains without a timetable to return, keeping Washington's wing rotation thin. George's absence has opened steady fantasy lanes for Tre Johnson, Bub Carrington, and Justin Champagnie. Over the last four games, Johnson has averaged 16.0 points and 3.3 three-pointers in 26.8 minutes, while Carrington has produced 12.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 25.9 minutes with elevated turnover risk. Champagnie has delivered 13.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.5 three-pointers, and 1.3 steals in 27.3 minutes, making him the most stable roster play in standard formats.
Celtics' F Jaylen Brown scored 50 points on 18-of-26 shooting in a 146-115 win over the Clippers on Saturday, Jan. 3.
Trail Blazers' F Deni Avdija recorded a triple-double, finishing with 29 points, 10 assists and 11 rebounds in a 115-110 win over San Antonio on Saturday, Jan. 3.
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (knee) is available for Saturday's game at Golden State. He didn't suit up for the recent 118-101 loss to the Clippers. Svi Mykhailiuk entered the starting lineup, finishing with five points, two boards, and one assist in 24 minutes. With Keyonte George (illness) also back in action, Mykhailiuk will likely return to the bench. As far as Markkanen is concerned, fantasy managers can get him back in their lineups, although he might be less productive than usual versus a Warriors team that has been sound defensively throughout the campaign.
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (illness) will suit up for Saturday's game at Golden State after missing his first contest of the 2025 campaign on Thursday in the loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. The 22-year-old is having a fantastic season, averaging 24.6 points, 6.8 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 37.4% shooting from behind the arc, all career-highs. His return should mean less work for Walter Clayton Jr., who logged 30 minutes versus the Clippers. However, the rookie may still stay involved, considering Ace Bailey (hip) remains out. Unfortunately, Clayton's fantasy outlook isn't favorable in a meeting with one of the NBA's top defensive squads.
Charlotte Hornets center PJ Hall will start in Saturday's meeting with the Bulls. With Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) and Moussa Diabate (wrist) both sidelined, the Hornets are thin at the five spot. The 23-year-old got the first start of his career in Friday's one-point loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, finishing with four points, eight rebounds, and two blocks. While Hall is a risky option for fantasy managers, his ceiling is higher on Saturday in a contest that should feature plenty of scoring between two of the worst defensive clubs in the National Basketball Association.
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (illness) will play on Saturday against Philadelphia. He didn't suit up for Friday's loss to the Atlanta Hawks, his third absence of the 2025 campaign. Fortunately, that trend won't continue. As usual, KAT is a must-start in all fantasy setups. Ariel Hukporti, who had eight points, 16 rebounds, and four blocks on Friday, will head back to the bench behind Mitchell Robinson (ankle), who is also available. As a result, Hukporti shouldn't be anywhere near a fantasy lineup.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) will play on Saturday against the Knicks. As usual, the multi-time All-Star carried an injury designation. However, he'll be on the floor on Saturday night. Embiid is starting to return to form after struggling to begin the 2025 campaign. He combined for 65 points in recent meetings with the Bulls and Memphis Grizzlies before amassing 22 points on Thursday in the 123-108 win over the Dallas Mavericks.
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (knee) did not return to Friday's loss to the Chicago Bulls. The 24-year-old logged 20 minutes in that one, finishing with 11 points, four assists, three rebounds, and one steal before suffering a right knee strain in the third quarter. According to head coach Jamahl Mosley, he will be re-evaluated ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Indiana Pacers. Suggs has battled injuries in previous seasons. Unfortunately, it's been the same story throughout the 2025 campaign, with the 2021 No. 5 overall selection already missing time because of various ailments, including his most recent, a hip injury that kept him off the court for seven contests. Without question, the team will play it safe, so fantasy managers may not see Suggs on the floor for at least a few games. If that's the case, Anthony Black could remain in the starting lineup, even once Franz Wagner (ankle), who is expected back within the week, is cleared to suit up.
