NBA roundup: Tyrese Maxey, 76ers rally past Wizards in OT
Wed Oct 29 4:35am ET
Field Level Media
Tyrese Maxey scored 23 of his 39 points in the fourth quarter and overtime as the visiting Philadelphia 76ers remained unbeaten after storming back from a 19-point third-quarter deficit to beat the Washington Wizards 139-134 on Tuesday.
Washington led 126-116 with 2:41 remaining in regulation before the Sixers capped a 17-4 run with 10 straight points to tie the game on Quentin Grimes' 3-pointer with 38.7 seconds left. After the Wizards scored the first five points in overtime, the Sixers answered with six straight points, and Philadelphia put the game away at the foul line in the final seconds.
Joel Embiid scored 25 points in 23 minutes for Philadelphia while Grimes scored 23. Maxey produced nine of the Sixers' 13 points in overtime.
Alex Sarr paced Washington with 31 points and 11 rebounds while Kyshawn George scored 20 points.
Bucks 121, Knicks 111
Giannis Antetokounmpo continued his hot start by scoring 23 of his game-high 37 points in the second half, sparking Milwaukee's comeback from a double-digit deficit to a win over visiting New York.
Antetokounmpo added eight rebounds and seven assists -- including six rebounds and six assists in the second half. He is averaging 36.3 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists per game this season. Ryan Rollins scored a career-high 25 points for the Bucks, who trailed by 14 points in the second quarter.
Jalen Brunson put up 36 points for the Knicks, who have lost two straight after opening the season 2-0. Brunson played the final 6:13 with an apparent right leg injury. Mikal Bridges amassed 24 points and 11 rebounds.
Warriors 98, Clippers 79
Jimmy Butler III put up a game-high 21 points without shooting a free throw and Golden State, holding James Harden scoreless in the second half, blitzed Los Angeles in San Francisco.
On a night when the Clippers were called for just five fouls, the Warriors overcame a 3-for-4 night at the free-throw line by burying 17 of 45 (37.8%) from beyond the arc. Butler hit nine of his 12 shots overall and three of his four 3-point attempts. Stephen Curry chipped in with 19 points.
With Harden scoring all 20 of his points, the Clippers overcame an early 15-point deficit to take a 49-46 halftime lead. But Los Angeles, which had beaten the Warriors seven straight times, added just 30 points over the final 24 minutes.
Thunder 107, Kings 101
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points as Oklahoma City overcame a 10-point deficit and beat visiting Sacramento to improve to 5-0 on the season.
Gilgeous-Alexander had seven points and an assist during the final six minutes to finish 14 of 26 from the floor with nine rebounds. Aaron Wiggins and Mitchell produced 18 points each for the Thunder, who were without Chet Holmgren (back).
Zach LaVine put up 23 points, DeMar DeRozan added 19 and Domantas Sabonis had 10 points and 18 rebounds for the Kings, who have dropped three of their four games.
Heat 144, Hornets 117
Jaime Jaquez Jr. scored a season-high 28 points off the bench to lead Miami past visiting Charlotte for its third win a row.
Bam Adebayo added 26 points and Andrew Wiggins scored 21 for the Heat. Pelle Larsson scored a career-best 17 points after being promoted to the starting five following Norman Powell's late withdrawal due to a groin strain sustained at the morning practice.
LaMelo Ball scored 15 of his 20 points in the first quarter for the Hornets. He finished with nine assists and eight rebounds but shot just 6-for-18 from the floor. Kon Knueppel hit 5 of 11 3-point attempts and put up 19 points.
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Orlando Magic point guard Jalen Suggs (knee) will rest on the second game of the team's back-to-back on Thursday against the Hornets. He played 21 minutes in each of the last two games, as the team continues to manage his workload after knee surgery in March. Suggs is averaging 11.2 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game despite his limited workload. His next chance to take the floor will be Saturday, when the Magic face the Wizards in Washington. In his absence on Thursday, Anthony Black, Tyus Jones, and Jace Richardsdon will get more time at point guard, with Black being the best streaming and DFS option of the group after he had 19 points, five assists, and one assist in 30 minutes in the last game that Suggs rested.
Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody (thumb) was originally listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Bucks with right thumb soreness, but he was upgraded to available on Thursday afternoon. Moody has averaged 22 minutes per game in his three contests this season, chipping in 12.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 3.0 three-pointers. He's a solid bargain play or streaming option on Thursday's four-game slate if you need a bargain DFS play or some bargain three-point streaming production.
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (heel) has gotten off to a strong start to the season, but he's questionable to play Thursday on the second night of the team's back-to-back. Wagner is averaging 22.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 35 minutes per game over the first five games of the season. Wagner played 33 minutes with 22 points against the Pistons on Wednesday, but apparently, he picked up this heel contusion as well. If the team is cautious with him and holds him out, Tristan da Silva, Jase Richardson, and possibly Jonathan Isaac could get more work. Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane would get more work in the offense as well, since Jalen Suggs (injury management) will sit out as well.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topic was diagnosed with testicular cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy, according to General Manager Sam Presti. The 20-year-old is expected to make a complete recovery, according to the Thunder's medical team. The No. 12 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft has yet to make his NBA debut, but the primary concern now is dealing with this more important issue. There has been no discussion of a timeline to get on the floor for OKC, but the team's main goal at this point is simply to ensure his health and well-being.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain (thumb) is now under contract to stay with the Sixers through the 2026-27 season, after the team exercised his option on Thursday. Last year as a rookie, he produced 15.3 points, 4.6 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in 25.7 minutes per game in 23 games before a knee injury ended his rookie campaign in mid-December. He looked very promising and should be a big part of the team's rotation this year, once he recovers from a UCL tear in his thumb that was suffered in a September workout. He's one of several Sixers coming back from injury, but the standout guard is definitely in the team's plans going forward.
Miami Heat guard/forward Norman Powell (groin) is likely to miss a second consecutive game on Thursday against the San Antonio Spurs, as the team has tagged him as doubtful on the injury report. After opening the season with a couple of big performances, Powell picked up a right groin strain. He leads the Heat with 24.0 points per game and has tallied 7.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 steals. On Tuesday against the Charlotte Hornets, Pelle Larsson stepped in as Powell's replacement in the first unit and performed well, finishing his first start of the season with 17 points, five rebounds, three assists, and one steal. He may get another opportunity to impress against the Spurs.
Charlotte Hornets guard/forward Brandon Miller (shoulder) has been ruled out for Thursday's matchup against the Orlando Magic. This will be Miller's third consecutive absence after he injured his left shoulder last weekend against the Philadelphia 76ers. With Miller's exit from the lineup, Kon Knueppel has joined the first unit, averaging 19.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists over the past two games. He could have more fun on Thursday against a Magic team that has surprisingly struggled on defense this season, allowing 118.3 points per 100 possessions.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center Chet Holmgren (back) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Washington Wizards. Lower back soreness will keep him off the floor for a second consecutive contest. Holmgren played in each of the first four contests for the Thunder, averaging 23.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 1.3 steals in 34.3 minutes. In his absence, Aaron Wiggins made his second start of the season on Tuesday against the Sacramento Kings and could remain in the first unit on Thursday. On Tuesday night, Wiggins was one of OKC's leading scorers, contributing 18 points, along with six rebounds, six assists, one steal, and three blocks.
Milwaukee Bucks forward/center Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) is listed as probable for Thursday's clash against the Golden State Warriors. The former MVP is dealing with soreness in his left knee, but it's unlikely to keep him off the floor. Antetokounmpo has crushed it early in the season by averaging 36.3 points, 14.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 1.3 blocks. He's a nightmare to guard, although Golden State did a great job against him last season. In his lone meeting with the Warriors in March, Antetokounmpo shot 5-for-16 from the field during a 20-point effort.
Dallas Mavericks forward/center Anthony Davis (leg) exited Wednesday's contest against the Indiana Pacers early due to a sore left leg. He was on the floor for only seven minutes, recording four points with four rebounds and one steal. Dwight Powell replaced him in the starting unit for the second half. Davis has previously been on the injury report due to an Achilles issue, and unfortunately, he continues to struggle with injuries, which is frustrating for many fantasy managers. If Davis joins Dereck Lively II (knee) and Daniel Gafford (ankle) on the sidelines, Powell could be an interesting fantasy pickup. He finished Wednesday's contest with 18 points, six rebounds, and two blocks.
Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young (knee) will undergo an MRI on Thursday to determine the severity of his injury, NBA insider Chris Haynes reports. Young sprained his right knee in Wednesday's contest against the Brooklyn Nets, exiting the action after logging seven minutes. Due to Young's injury, Nickeil Alexander-Walker started the second half and scored 18 points, making him Atlanta's second-highest scorer of the night. As always, Alexander-Walker was also busy defensively, registering two steals and three blocks. Additionally, Luke Kennard had a larger role in the rotation without Young. Both players' fantasy value will rise if Young has to miss time.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (finger, leg) is on track to rejoin the lineup in the "next couple of games," ESPN's Dave McMenamin reports. The Slovenian superstar has been out for three games due to injuries to his finger and leg. During Doncic's absence, Austin Reaves has been a monster offensively. Meanwhile, players like Jake LaRavia and Dalton Knecht have experienced additional usage due to the Lakers' many injuries. Doncic is scheduled for a re-evaluation this weekend, and Sunday's game against the Miami Heat could mark his return.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (sciatica) is expected to return to action during the second or third week of November, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reports. The NBA's all-time leading scorer has yet to play this season due to sciatica on his right side. With Luka Doncic (finger, leg) recently joining James on the sidelines, Austin Reaves has gone berserk, averaging 40.0 points and 10.0 assists over the past three games. Deandre Ayton has also had a larger role on offense. Things will look very different on the court once the Lakers' superstars have returned.
Nuggets' C Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 21 points, 10 assists and 12 rebounds in a 122-88 win over the Pelicans on Wednesday, Oct. 29.
Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (hamstring) is officially ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. The questionable tag provided some hope he'd play his first game of the season, but the Suns will miss one of their top scoring options in a forecasted high-scoring affair. Green's hamstring issue has prevented him from suiting up this season to put Phoenix in a tough position with an already limited roster. The 23-year-old averaged 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game last season in Houston. A lackluster postseason led to the Rockets trading him to the Suns. Green is considered day-to-day is a good sign for a return to the court soon. Phoenix's need for more talent should help his fantasy value once he's able to play at full health.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (shoulder) is available to play in Wednesday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Aldama was listed as questionable due to left shoulder soreness putting his status in doubt. The 24-year-old forward has played every game for Memphis so far this season, and he has a larger role after the team lost a couple of relevant players in the offseason. Aldama is averaging 10.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks in 22 minutes per game. The Grizzlies need him to help the depth, especially in games where former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. gets into foul trouble. Phoenix allows the third most points in the league this season to give Aldama a chance at one of his best statistical performances now that he's active.
Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (shoulder) is officially available to play on Wednesday evening against the Chicago Bulls. There was some concern over his status due to a nagging left shoulder injury and the timing of the second half of a back-to-back slate. Sacramento will have Ellis suiting up and hoping to build off his best performance of the season last night against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 25-year-old currently averages 7.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game in 19 minutes coming off the bench. Kings coach Doug Christie is still figuring out his rotation with a lot of talent on the roster to limit his ceiling. Ellis does still provide some value for a bench player, especially via his steals since only seven players currently average more than him.
Denver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson (shoulder) is available for Wednesday evening's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Johnson is the biggest addition from the recent major offseason changes, but he's struggled in the early season and recently suffered a minor shoulder injury. The 29-year-old left Monday's game in a victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Fantasy owners should be happy that Johnson is not missing any time and is expected to continue holding his role in the starting lineup. Unfortunately, the role player is averaging just 8.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game so far in a new lineup. Denver hopes to get more out of Johnson as one of the best corner shooters in the league. The Pelicans' defense gives up 14 three-pointers per game to provide some fantasy upside for a sharpshooter benefiting from Nikola Jokic's passing.
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (ankle) is listed as active for Wednesday night's game against the Brooklyn Nets. Johnson was initially listed as probable, but he's been battling a right ankle sprain that forced him to miss one game so far during a back-to-back. Atlanta has seen the 23-year-old becoming a bright spot during a tough start to the season. Johnson is currently averaging 19.7 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1.7 steals per game through three games played. Brooklyn is giving up the most points per game in the NBA at 130.5 to provide extra value for him in a great matchup. Kristaps Porzingis and Trae Young average more points than the talented forward, but the Nets give up enough points for all three to have peak fantasy value tonight.
Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (ankle) has been cleared to play in Wednesday night's road game versus the Brooklyn Nets. Risacher has missed two of the last three games and only registered 20 minutes in his recent game against the Chicago Bulls. A right ankle sprain has limited the second-year player hoping to prove the Hawks right for selecting him as the top pick of the 2024 draft class. Risacher is averaging a disappointing nine points and one rebound in just 21 minutes per game. The 20-year-old is shooting 44% from the field and a woeful 25% from three-point range, but the hope is better for health and more consistent minutes to boost his fantasy value. Risacher does have an enticing matchup against the Nets' league-worst defense to provide some optimism starting tonight.
