NBA roundup: Nikola Jokic pours in 55 in Nuggets' win over Clippers
Thu Nov 13 2:32am ET
Field Level Media
Nikola Jokic scored 25 of his season-high 55 points in the first quarter and the Denver Nuggets extended their winning streak to six games with a 130-116 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday at Inglewood, Calif.
Jokic added 12 rebounds with six assists while going 18 of 23 from the floor and 5 of 6 from 3-point range. His 25 first-quarter points were a high for any quarter in his career. The 55 points tied the highest total in the NBA this season. Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a 55-point effort against the Indiana Pacers on Oct. 23.
Aaron Gordon scored 18 points, Jamal Murray had 15 and Tim Hardaway Jr. added 12 for Denver, which is 2-0 on a three-game road trip after opening the season 1-2 away from home.
James Harden scored 23 points and Jordan Miller added a career-high 22 in his first game of the season for the Clippers, who saw their losing streak reach six games. Ivica Zubac had 18 points and nine rebounds for Los Angeles.
Magic 124, Knicks 107
Franz Wagner scored 13 of his 28 points during a decisive second-quarter run by Orlando, which overcame an injury to Paolo Banchero to hand New York its first home loss of the season.
Banchero departed in the middle of the second quarter with a strained left groin. Desmond Bane contributed 22 points and eight assists for the Magic, who have won five of seven following a four-game losing streak.
Jalen Brunson scored a game-high 31 points while Karl-Anthony Towns posted 15 points and 12 rebounds for the Knicks, whose five-game winning streak ended. Brunson exited in the fourth quarter due to a right ankle injury and left the arena on crutches.
Warriors 125, Spurs 120
Stephen Curry scored 46 points, nearly half of them in a pivotal run in the third quarter, to help visiting Golden State earn a win over San Antonio in the first of two games between the teams in three days in the Alamo City.
The squads will battle again Friday in an NBA Cup clash. The Spurs led by as many as 16 in the first half and by seven at the break before Golden State leapfrogged to the lead with a dominating third in which Curry scored 22 of the Warriors' 43 points Jimmy Butler III finished with 28 points and Moses Moody had 19.
Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 31 points while taking 15 rebounds and distributing 10 assists. Stephon Castle also posted a triple-double with 23 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, with Devin Vassel hitting for 15 points.
Thunder 121, Lakers 92
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 30 points and nine assists in just three quarters of action to lead Oklahoma City to a home win over Los Angeles.
Playing the second night of a back-to-back, the Thunder certainly didn't look fatigued, reeling off a 23-7 run that started just more than two minutes into the game to take control. Oklahoma City has won four consecutive games and 12 of 13 to start the season. Isaiah Joe scored 21 for the Thunder, who had seven players score in double-figures.
Luka Doncic never found an offensive rhythm, finishing with a team-high 19 points but going just 7 of 20 from the field and 1 of 7 on 3-pointers with four turnovers. Doncic was minus-31 in nearly 33 minutes. Austin Reaves was just 4 of 12 from the field and missed all five of his shots from beyond the arc as the Lakers finished just 40.3% from the field -- a season low.
Celtics 131, Grizzlies 95
Payton Pritchard made five 3-pointers and scored a game-high 24 points to propel Boston past visiting Memphis.
Ten players made at least one 3-pointer for the Celtics, who shot 21 of 51 (41.2%) from behind the arc. Derrick White (20), Jaylen Brown (19), Luka Garza (14) and Neemias Queta (13) were the other Boston players who scored in double figures.
Jaren Jackson Jr. put up 18 points for the Grizzlies, who never led and lost for the seventh time in its past eight games. Ja Morant (ankle) didn't play.
Cavaliers 130, Heat 116
Jarrett Allen scored a game-high 30 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as the short-handed Cleveland won at Miami.
The Heat, who beat visiting the visiting Cavaliers on Monday, slipped to 5-1 at home despite 27 points from Norman Powell.
Cleveland, which has won five of six, got 21 points from De'Andre Hunter. The Cavaliers were missing Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, who both rested, and Jaylon Tyson (concussion) and Darius Garland (toe), who got hurt on Monday.
Rockets 135, Wizards 112
Kevin Durant scored 23 points, Tari Eason and Reed Sheppard combined for 41 off the bench and host Houston claimed a victory over Washington.
Durant tallied 16 first-quarter points to get the Rockets rolling while Eason (20 points, 4-for-6 3-pointers) and Sheppard (21 points, 5-for-8 3-pointers) teamed to extend the margin to 28 in the second quarter before helping fend off the plucky Wizards into the final period.
Alperen Sengun (16 points, 13 rebounds) posted a double-double while Amen Thompson (18 points, eight assists) and Jabari Smith Jr. (15 points, eight rebounds) contributed to another balanced offensive attack for the Rockets, who entered play leading the NBA in offensive rating.
Suns 123, Mavericks 114
Devin Booker scored 26 points and Phoenix topped host Dallas for its fourth straight victory.
Grayson Allen added 23 points for the Suns, and Dillon Brooks contributed 18. Jordan Goodwin scored all of his season-high 13 before halftime.
Klay Thompson led the Mavericks with a season-high 19 points. Rookie Cooper Flagg had 16 points and appeared to tweak his left shoulder in the first quarter. P.J. Washington left with a shoulder strain midway through the first quarter and did not return for Dallas, which has lost six of its past seven games.
Hornets 111, Bucks 100
Miles Bridges scored 20 points and rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner made all eight of his shots from the field as Charlotte defeated visiting Milwaukee to snap a three-game losing streak.
Kalkbrenner finished with 17 points and nine rebounds, Collin Sexton provided 16 points and eight assists and Kon Knueppel bagged three 3-pointers on the way to 16 points for the Hornets.
Ryan Rollins pumped in 25 points, Myles Turner had 21 points and Bobby Portis added 14 points for Milwaukee, which has alternated wins and losses for eight games. The Bucks were playing without scoring leader Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has a knee ailment.
Pistons 124, Bulls 113
Paul Reed piled up 28 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and four steals as depleted Detroit won its eighth straight game, knocking off visiting Chicago.
Duncan Robinson contributed 23 points for Detroit, while Daniss Jenkins supplied 18 points and 12 assists. Caris LeVert added 17 points.
Matas Buzelis led Chicago, which has lost four straight, with 21 points and 14 rebounds. Kevin Huerter amassed 20 points, Isaac Okoro had 15 points, and Ayo Dosunmu added 12.
Trail Blazers 125, Pelicans 117
Shaedon Sharpe scored a season-best 35 points and Deni Avdija had 32 as visiting Portland defeated New Orleans.
Jrue Holiday paired 17 points with 12 assists for the Blazers, who snapped a two-game losing streak on the third leg of a five-game road swing.
Rookie Derik Queen posted 26 points for the Pelicans, Saddiq Bey added 25 and Trey Murphy III tallied 22. The second quarter featured nine lead changes and the ejections of New Orleans' Yves Missi and Portland's Jerami Grant.
Hawks 133, Kings 100
Jalen Johnson recorded 24 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists to help visiting Atlanta steamroll Sacramento.
Johnson made 9 of 10 field-goal attempts in just 24 minutes as the Hawks improved to 2-0 to start a four-game road trip. Atlanta reserve Onyeka Okongwu hit 6 of 7 shots and scored 21 points.
Keon Ellis made six 3-pointers and scored 20 points off the bench for the Kings, who lost for the fifth time in six games. Zach LaVine (thigh) and Malik Monk (ankle) sat out on the second night of a back-to-back.
- NBA roundup: Nikola Jokic pours in 55 in Nuggets' win over Clippers
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Toronto Raptors guard/forward Ochai Agbaji (back) was ruled out after he was originally listed as questionable for Thursday's matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. It will be his third absence in his team's last four games, and he played just 15 minutes in a spot start during his one active game during that stretch. For the most part, Toronto has been injury-free this season, which has kept Agbaji in a limited role off the bench. He is playing just 13.9 minutes per game and chipping in 2.7 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. With Agbaji out, Ja'Kobe Walter and Gradey Dick will get more time in the second unit, although neither has made a big fantasy impact this season.
Toronto Raptors guard/forward Ochai Agbaji (back) is considered questionable for Thursday's matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Agbaji has played only once in the last three games and could sit out a second consecutive contest due to lower back spasms. Toronto has managed to stay healthy this season, limiting Agbaji's workload to 13.9 minutes per game. He has averaged only 2.7 points and 2.1 rebounds. Due to Agbaji's health issues, Ja'Kobe Walter and Gradey Dick can play a slightly more significant role off the bench. However, neither player has made a substantial fantasy impact in the 2025-26 season.
Utah Jazz forward/center Kevin Love (rest) has come off the injury report for Thursday's contest against the Atlanta Hawks. Utah completed a back-to-back on Tuesday night with a blowout win against the Indiana Pacers, and Love was rested for the game. Before his scheduled rest day, Love featured in five consecutive games, averaging 4.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 13.0 minutes. Due to his limited role, Love hasn't been a factor in fantasy basketball, and that's unlikely to change on Thursday night.
Toronto Raptors forward/center Sandro Mamukelashvili (back) remains on the injury report with a questionable tag ahead of Thursday's encounter with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Due to a back issue, he was also listed as questionable for Tuesday's matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. Toronto ruled him out for the contest ahead of tip-off, resulting in Mamukelashvili's first absence this season. The 26-year-old has been fairly productive as a reserve in Canada, averaging 9.0 points and 3.4 rebounds in 17.8 minutes. On Thursday, Mamukelashvili could be joined on the sidelines by Collin Murray-Boyles(illness), meaning starting center Jakob Poeltl might be in for a very busy night. Jonathan Mogbo would then likely take on the backup minutes at center.
Toronto Raptors forward/center Collin Murray-Boyles (illness) is listed as questionable for Thursday's contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The rookie is dealing with an illness and may be sidelined after playing in nine consecutive games. Jakob Poeltl has been in and out of the Raptors lineup, meaning Murray-Boyles has seen plenty of time on the court early in his NBA career. The 20-year-old has averaged 8.8 points and 3.9 rebounds in 20.8 minutes. With Sandro Mamukelashvili (neck) also questionable for Thursday's matchup, the Raptors frontcourt could be short-handed. In this case, Jonathan Mogbo might get a much larger workload than he's used to.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (sciatica)practiced with the team's G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, on Wednesday. "He was able to participate in the practice," Lakers head coach JJ Redick said. "Got up and down a little bit with just some, like, warmup transition drills and progressed to five-on-five in the half court, and got, I think about 12 to 15 possessions of live five-on-five contact." James' ability to do some five-on-five work marks a big step toward his return to game action. According to Redick, James "looked good" during the practice. The four-time MVP has missed the first few weeks of the season due to sciatica on his right side and is expected to sit out at least two more games.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (hamstring) has been cleared for contact, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports. The former No. 1 pick went through some one-on-one drills during Wednesday's shootaround. Williamson has missed five games due to a left hamstring strain. While he looks to be nearing his return, the team hasn't provided an official timeline for Williamson. Saddiq Bey has stepped into the first unit as Williamson's replacement, delivering solid performances. He has averaged 17.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists over the past five games.
Denver's C Nikola Jokic recorded a double-double, scoring 55 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in a 130-116 win over the Clippers on Wednesday, Nov. 12.
San Antonio's G Stephon Castle recorded a triple-double, finishing with 23 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds in a 120-125 loss to the Warriors on Wednesday, Nov. 12.
San Antonio's C Victor Wembanyama recorded a triple-double, finishing with 31 points, 10 assists and 15 rebounds in a 120-125 loss to the Warriors on Wednesday, Nov. 12.
Golden State Warriors' G Stephen Curry scored 46 points on 13-of-25 shooting in a 125-120 win over San Antonio on Wednesday, Nov. 12.
Denver Nuggets shooting guard Christian Braun (ankle) left the team's matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, and will not return. The fourth-year guard appeared in just 16 minutes of action before leaving with what the team is labeling a left ankle injury. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown are will likely see increased usage is Braun's injury lingers. The 24-year-old was averaging 11.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game heading into Wednesday's matchup. Braun should be considered questionable when the Nuggets travel to Minnesota to play the Timberwolves on Saturday.
New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson (ankle) was seen leaving Madison Square Garden in a walking boot Wednesday night. The team is yet to release an official statement, but head coach Mike Brown told reporters Brunson "rolled his right ankle". The team is set to face the Miami Heat at home on Friday. Brunson leads the team with 27.7 points and 6.6 assists per game. If Brunson misses time, Mikal Bridges could be called upon to shoulder the playmaking duties for the team. Bridges currently ranks second on the team with 5.2 assists per game.
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (knee) won't return to Wednesday's game against the Spurs. The 2021 No. 7 overall pick was listed as questionable heading into this one. While he ended up suiting up, he wasn't in the starting lineup. Kuminga would be held scoreless before exiting after only 12 minutes of work. The 23-year-old hasn't missed a game all season, averaging 14.9 points. He's also logged career-highs in rebounds (6.8) and assists (3.1). With that said, it's unknown if Kuminga will be available for Friday's rematch between the Spurs and Warriors, but if he's not out there, Will Richard and Buddy Hield may see more work.
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (groin) won't return to Wednesday's meeting with the New York Knicks. The 23-year-old logged only 12 minutes before exiting with a groin strain, finishing with four points, three rebounds, one steal, and one block. Orlando won't play again until Friday against the visiting Brooklyn Nets. Hopefully, Banchero will be out there. Of course, fantasy managers will be anxiously awaiting an update. If he can't suit up versus the Nets, Franz Wagner will handle even more of the scoring load, with Desmond Bane, Anthony Black, and Jalen Suggs in line to produce above-average fantasy production.
Washington Wizards forward Bilal Coulibaly (calf) is still without a timetable for his return, according to head coach Brian Keefe. Keefe noted that the third-year man was doing limited work during the team's shootaround on Wednesday. Coulibaly has been limited to just four games so far this season, all starts, due to injury. The Frenchman is averaging 10.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, one block, and one steal in his limited action. The Wizards, who haven't won a game since October 24th, continue to tinker with the starting lineup. Kyshawn George and Khris Middleton picked up starts at the forward positions for Wednesday's game against the Houston Rockets.
Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (back) has been upgraded to probable, putting him in line to return to the lineup on Wednesday night. Alexander-Walker has missed the last two games with his back issue. Before that, the Hawks' offseason acquisition was starting at point guard for the injured Trae Young (knee). NAW is averaging a career-best 17.6 points, 3.2 assists, and 1.8 stocks per game, while getting to the free throw at his most efficient clip. The Hawks swept the Los Angeles teams without Alexander-Walker. He and the Hawks continue their West Coast trip with a matchup against the Kings.
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (knee) will play against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, despite the questionable tag earlier in the day. However, Kuminga won't be in the starting lineup for the first time this season. Following Tuesday's blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, forward Draymond Green publicly questioned some of the team. Today, head coach Steve Kerr announced there was an "obvious" need for lineup changes. Rookie second-round pick Will Richard will pick up his second start of the season, alongside Stephen Curry, Moses Moody, Jimmy Butler, and Green.
Memphis Grizzlies point guardJa Morant will be sidelined for Wednesday's matchup with the Boston Celtics. Morant is dealing with soreness in his left ankle after tweaking it during Tuesday's 133-120 loss to the Knicks. Morant has averaged 18.9 points, 8.1 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 30.8 minutes per contest across 11 games this season. Cam Spencer will likely start while the 26-year-old star point guard is out, while Jaren Jackson Jr. could see extra scoring opportunities during tonight's tilt.
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (ankle) won't play on Wednesday against the Bulls. The 21-year-old has played extremely well during the 2025 campaign, averaging 19.4 points, 12.0 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 1.1 steals. He was listed as probable on Tuesday night. However, Duren was downgraded to questionable before ultimately getting ruled out. With Isaiah Stewart (ankle) sidelined, the Pistons will likely start Paul Reed at the five. Reed is coming off an eight-point, nine-rebound effort in Monday's overtime win over the Washington Wizards, although it's safe to assume he'll be much more productive for fantasy managers in need of a streaming option.
