NBA roundup: Lakers win, but LeBron James' double-figure streak ends
Fri Dec 5 12:33am ET
Field Level Media
Rui Hachimura hit the game-winning corner 3-pointer at the buzzer Thursday night and the visiting Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Toronto Raptors 123-120.
LeBron James set up the winning basket with his 11th assist of the game. He finished with eight points to end his streak of 1,297 consecutive games with double figures in scoring. The last time James failed to reach 10 points in a game was Jan. 5, 2007, against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Austin Reaves led Los Angeles with 44 points while adding 10 assists in the opener of a three-game road trip. Deandre Ayton added 17 points as the Lakers won for the eighth time in nine games.
Scottie Barnes had 23 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists for the Raptors, who have lost three of their past four. Brandon Igram added 20 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.
76ers 99, Warriors 98
VJ Edgecombe made the winning putback with 0.9 seconds left and Tyrese Maxey raced to make a game-saving block on the other end, lifting Philadelphia to a wild victory over visiting Golden State.
The 76ers recovered after blowing a 24-point lead, including an 18-point advantage earlier in the fourth quarter. Maxey led the Sixers with 35 points. Grimes' three-point play cut the 76ers' late deficit to 98-97, and after Maxey's fadeaway in the final seconds came up short, Edgecombe caught the airball and banked it in.
Pat Spencer scored 16 points to lead the short-handed Warriors, who have lost six of their past eight games. Golden State played without Stephen Curry (quad) and Jimmy Butler III (knee), while Draymond Green (leg) limped off after only nine minutes.
Celtics 146, Wizards 101
Derrick White had 30 points, nine assists and seven rebounds as visiting Boston extended its winning streak to three games by beating Washington.
Jordan Walsh made each of his eight field-goal attempts en route to a career-high 22 points for the Celtics, who outscored the Wizards 80-42 in the second half. Boston scored at least 32 points in all four quarters.
CJ McCollum led Washington with 22 points, and Khris Middleton finished with 16. The Wizards were seeking their third straight home victory.
Timberwolves 125, Pelicans 116
Julius Randle scored 28 points as Minnesota extended its winning streak to four games with a victory at New Orleans.
Naz Reid added 19 off the bench -- including 11 in the fourth quarter -- as Minnesota posted its second road win over the Pelicans in the space of three days. Anthony Edwards, who poured in 44 points in the Timberwolves' overtime triumph on Tuesday, was held to 11 points in 31 minutes on Thursday. He committed eight turnovers.
Trey Murphy III posted 21 points, eight assists and seven boards for the Pelicans, who took their fifth loss in a row. Saddiq Bey and Jeremiah Fears contributed 20 points each.
Jazz 123, Nets 110
Lauri Markkanen scored 30 points, Keyonte George added 29 and hit the tiebreaking 3-pointer with 6:29 left in the fourth quarter and Utah rallied for a victory over Brooklyn in New York.
Markkanen and George combined for 18 points in the fourth quarter as the Jazz outscored the Nets by a 42-20 margin. Utah shot 50.6% overall and earned consecutive wins for the first time this season.
The Nets dropped to 1-10 at home and were unable to earn their first three-game winning streak of the season. Noah Clowney led Brooklyn with 29 points, and Ziaire Williams scored 23.
- NBA roundup: Lakers win, but LeBron James' double-figure streak ends
- Clippers waive F Jahmyl Telfort as roster adjustments continue
- Lakers' Luka Doncic (personal) out vs. Raptors
- Bucks F Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) out 2-4 weeks
- NBA roundup: Jamal Murray nets 52 as Nuggets extend road win streak
- Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo out for game with right calf strain
- Suns' Devin Booker (groin) will miss at least 1 week
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks discussing future
- Warriors G De’Anthony Melton (knee) set to return vs. 76ers
- NBA fines 76ers for violating rules leading up to Joel Embiid's return
- Ex-NBA champ, Clemson star Elden Campbell dies
- Clippers release G Chris Paul in late-night move
- NBA roundup: Jaylen Brown (42), Celtics hold off Knicks
- Pelicans F Zion Williamson questionable vs. Timberwolves
- Longtime NBA F Danilo Gallinari, 37, announces retirement
- Nuggets G Jamal Murray sprains ankle in loss to Mavs
- NBA roundup: Devin Booker gets hurt, but Suns end Lakers' win streak
- Suns G Devin Booker (groin) exits game vs. Lakers
- NBA roundup: Jalen Johnson's career night lifts Hawks past 76ers in 2OT
- LeBron James (foot) won't play against Pelicans
Atlanta Hawks forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (reconditioning) is listed as questionable for Friday's matchup with Denver and appears to be trending in the right direction after missing the past four games. His return would be a welcome boost, as he averaged 20.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.0 blocks across his last five outings on .547 shooting. Managers in weekly formats should still treat him cautiously until he's confirmed active. If he remains out, Onyeka Okongwu stays locked into a heavy-minute role, while Zaccharie Risacher and Dyson Daniels maintain stable usage either way.
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (wrist) is probable for Friday's game in Toronto after posting 34 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists in 36 minutes Wednesday. He has averaged 17.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 8.0 assists over his last five, though efficiency sits at 36.5 percent from the field. He remains a must-start if active. Brandon Miller (shoulder) is questionable, which could funnel extra touches to Ball and Miles Bridges while keeping KJ Simpson and Sion James in secondary roles.
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (calf) is questionable for Friday's matchup with Denver after missing Wednesday's loss, which pushed Mouhamed Gueye into a 23-minute spot start that produced six rebounds and one steal. Johnson's potential absence again funnels minutes to Gueye, Vit Krejci, and rookie Asa Newell, while Zaccharie Risacher holds a stable role after logging 11 points, three rebounds, and three assists. Managers should treat Gueye as a deep-league streaming option only, as his low usage and inconsistent production cap his upside.
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (toe) is questionable for Friday in Orlando on the first night of a back-to-back. He logged 20 points and four rebounds in 33 minutes Wednesday and is averaging 23.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.6 blocks across his last five on 52.4 percent shooting. Managers should keep contingency plans ready. Pelle Larsson and Jaime Jaquez Jr. become viable streamers if Herro sits, especially with Norman Powell (ankle) also questionable.
Lakers' G Austin Reaves recorded a double-double, scoring 44 points with 10 assists in a 123-120 win over Toronto on Thursday, Dec. 4.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (foot) won't return to Thursday's meeting with the 76ers. On a night when the Dubs were without Stephen Curry (quadriceps) and Jimmy Butler III (knee), the team would lose Green before the end of the first half. The 35-year-old finished this one with three points, three rebounds, and one block. It's logical to assume he'll undergo further testing to determine the extent of the injury. For now, fantasy managers should be prepared to see Green's name on the injury report heading into Saturday's game in Cleveland. If he can't suit up, head coach Steve Kerr has plenty of options regarding the rotation, although Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, and Pat Spencer could see the biggest bump in minutes.
Golden State Warriors centerQuinten Post(ankle) will be active against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday. He has shaken off a questionable tag on the initial injury report for a left ankle sprain. Post will go up against a Sixers frontcourt that will have Joel Embiid (knee) back in action, which puts him in an unfavorable position to perform well fantasy-wise. The 22-year-old big man is averaging 6.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists across 16.1 minutes per game during 22 outings this campaign.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) will play on Thursday versus Golden State. The 31-year-old hasn't played the best throughout the 2025 campaign. However, he's at least been showing signs of life of late, averaging 22.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 1.3 steals in three appearances in November. While Embiid will presumably be limited from a minutes standpoint, he's a must-start in all formats.
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (ankle) will play on Thursday in Philadelphia. The 23-year-old has played sparingly since returning from a seven-game stint on the shelf. However, with Stephen Curry (quadriceps) and Jimmy Butler III (knee) both sidelined, Kuminga could be a top offensive contributor for the Dubs on Thursday night, especially if he ends up getting the start.
Sam Gordon of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that Golden State Warriors forward/centerAl Horford (back) will play Thursday against the Philadelphia 76ers. Horford has been out of action for four consecutive contests due to sciatica. Through 10 outings this season, the 38-year-old veteran center is averaging 21.8 minutes per game. However, he may be assigned a heavier workload than expected upon his return, with veterans Stephen Curry(quad) andJimmy Butler III(knee)sidelined.
Utah Jazz centerJusuf Nurkic(ribs) is unavailable for Thursday's matchup with the Brooklyn Nets. Due to a rib contusion, Nurkic will miss the first half of a back-to-back set this evening. While the 31-year-old big man is sidelined, 22-year-old Kyle Filipowski will take on extra playing time. Filipowski provided 12 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and one block across 29 minutes in his last appearance on Monday against Houston. He could potentially give fantasy managers a productive option with the extended minutes during Nurkic's absence.
Brooklyn Nets guard Terance Mann (ribs) will play on Thursday versus Utah after missing the last two games. The 29-year-old has averaged 8.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 19 appearances this season. Without question, those statistical contributions aren't the best. However, with Michael Porter Jr. (back) resting, Mann might be in line for a much more productive night against one of the worst defensive teams in the National Basketball Association.
Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton (knee) is available for Thursday's meeting with the 76ers. He hasn't played in nearly a year after suffering a partially torn ACL during a game versus the Dallas Mavericks last December, resulting in surgery. Melton will likely have some rust to shake off in his first game back from a lengthy layoff, so it's unknown how impactful he will be offensively. However, the 27-year-old could at least make life a little more difficult on the defensive end for Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and others. With head coach Steve Kerr indicating Melton will be capped at 20 minutes of action, he should be considered a desperation streaming option (at best) for deep-league fantasy participants.
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (groin) is questionable for Friday's meeting with the Miami Heat after missing the last 10 games. There's likely some hurdles he'll need to clear before getting the green light to suit up. However, the questionable designation at least suggests he's moving in the right direction. The 23-year-old out of Duke averaged 21.7 points in his 12 appearances before being sidelined with the groin strain, down from the 2024 campaign. Still, he's certainly missed by fantasy managers in all formats. With that said, if Banchero doesn't play on Friday evening, Tristan da Silva, averaging 11.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 38.3% shooting from deep in 10 starts, will presumably remain in the starting lineup.
Golden State Warriors centerTrayce Jackson-Davis (knee) has been upgraded to available for Thursday's tilt with the Philadelphia 76ers. Jackson-Davis was out of action for two games due to soreness in his right knee. With Al Horford(back) andQuinten Post(ankle)listed as questionable for this evening, it remains to be seen if the 25-year-old big man will have an expanded role in his return.
Michael Wallace of the Grizzlies' official sitereports that Memphis Grizzlies guardJa Morant(calf)is now considered day-to-day after missing nine consecutive contests due to a Grade 1 right calf strain. The star point guard was active during parts of Thursday's practice, and his next chance to play comes Friday against the Clippers. However, Morant will have to get in a few full practices under his belt and realistically, he will likely return to the floor in mid-December.
According to Anthony Slater of ESPN.com, Golden State Warriors forwardJimmy Butler III(knee) is unavailable versus the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday. Butler played only 15 minutes during Tuesday's clash with Oklahoma City, exiting the contest due to a sore left knee.Gary Payton IIstarted the second half in Butler's spot, posting 13 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Buddy Hield was assigned extra time on the floor as well while Butler was out of action, logging 28 minutes. Hield also collected 12 points, four rebounds, and two steals in the 124-112 Warriors loss. Both players provide fantasy value with Butler sidelined this evening.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (calf) is ready to return to action on Thursday after missing Tuesday's game with a calf injury. He was upgraded from questionable to available on Thursday before game time. The 25-year-old started three of his previous five games, playing big minutes in each contest and averaging 38.2 minutes per game while producing 16.8 points, 4.8 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.8 three-pointers in those five contests. With Paul George (knee) out on Thursday against the Warriors, Grimes could be in a very involved role once again, and he's a solid option to consider for DFS or streaming purposes against the injury-depleted Warriors. The Sixers play again on Friday, so keep an eye on his status going forward, since the team could choose to alternate him and George each missing a game in this set.
Boston Celtics guard/forward Jaylen Brown (illness) will not play on Thursday, as expected, after the team downgraded him from doubtful to out on Thursday before they visit Washington. Brown will have a chance to return Friday at home against the Lakers for the second half of the back-to-back, but in his absence, the Celtics will be great fantasy assets while picking up his workload. Derrick White and Payton Pritchard will carry more scoring work in the backcourt, while Jordan Walsh, Sam Hauser, Hugo Gonzalez, and Josh Minott will all help fill in at forward. Walsh has been especially impressive lately and is finding ways to make meaningful contributions, while Hauser always brings streak scoring upside.
Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward Paul George (knee) was downgraded from questionable to out on Thursday, ahead of his team's home game against the Warriors. George has been limited to only six games this season and has only averaged 22.2 minutes per contest. He only played 18 minutes in Tuesday's win over the Washington Wizards and is now averaging 13.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. With George out, Justin Edwards could return to the starting lineup, which would give him much more upside as a streaming or DFS option.
