NBA roundup: Jalen Johnson’s career night lifts Hawks past 76ers in 2OT

Sunday’s NBA action saw a thrilling double-overtime win for Atlanta, big individual efforts across the board, and multiple playoff contenders flexing their form. Jalen Johnson exploded for a career-high 41 points as the shorthanded Hawks stunned the Sixers on their home floor, while Boston and Oklahoma City continued their surges atop their conferences.

Hawks 142, 76ers 134 (2OT)

Jalen Johnson scored a career-high 41 points along with 14 rebounds and seven assists as the Hawks overcame the Sixers in a double-overtime thriller in Philadelphia. The win came without Kristaps Porzingis and Trae Young, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker chipping in 34 points.

Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia with 44 points, but he missed key free throws late in the first OT, allowing Johnson to force a second extra period, where he drilled back-to-back triples to seal the win. Joel Embiid had 18 points in 30 minutes in his return after missing nine games.

Rockets 129, Jazz 101

Alperen Sengun scored 27 and Kevin Durant added 25 as Houston rolled past Utah in Salt Lake City. Steven Adams added a double-double and Amen Thompson flirted with one as the Rockets shot nearly 53% from the field.

Utah struggled despite a solid effort from rookie Ace Bailey (19 points). Keyonte George turned the ball over eight times, and the Jazz were thoroughly outworked on the glass (50-33). For bettors, Houston’s computer-rated consistency on the road continues to deliver value.

Knicks 116, Raptors 94

Karl-Anthony Towns led a balanced attack with 22 points, and Josh Hart put up an all-around gem — 20 points, 12 boards, seven assists — as the Knicks notched their fourth straight win. New York dominated the boards (61-40) and held Toronto to 41% shooting.

Immanuel Quickley led the Raptors with 19 points and eight assists, while Scottie Barnes added 18. Toronto continues to struggle in the paint and was overpowered again on second-chance point

Thunder 123, Trail Blazers 115

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 26 points and Jaylen Williams added 16 as Oklahoma City extended its winning streak to 12, exacting revenge on Portland after an earlier-season loss. The Thunder shot 50% from the field and improved to 20-1 this season.

Portland’s Deni Avdija dropped 31 points with 19 rebounds and 10 assists, but the Trail Blazers have now lost nine of 12. OKC’s elite closing strength was again on display — something sharp bettors have banked on all month.

Handicappers Recap

Sas Insider nailed Thunder -6.5 and added a live bet win on the Celtics’ ML after Cleveland cut the lead to one. That moved him to +$4,600 for the week on NBA sides.

Meanwhile, Vegas Steamline went 3-0 ATS Sunday with winners on Houston, Knicks, and Memphis — all rated 4+ units in the Basketball Service Plays hub.

See where all the top NBA cappers rank or grab tonight’s Free NBA Picks.

Celtics 117, Cavaliers 115

Payton Pritchard exploded for a season-high 42 points and Jaylen Brown added a triple-double as Boston held off a furious Cavs rally. The Celtics led by 21 before Cleveland came storming back behind Evan Mobley’s 27 and Darius Garland’s 21.

Boston closed strong behind Pritchard and Anfernee Simons (18 points). Donovan Mitchell added 18, seven boards and eight assists for Cleveland, which has dropped three of four.

Timberwolves 125, Spurs 112

Anthony Edwards scored 32 on 13-of-18 shooting and Julius Randle dished a season-high 12 assists to help Minnesota pull away from San Antonio. The Wolves won the fourth quarter 36-19 to seal it.

De’Aaron Fox had 25 points to lead the Spurs, and Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson added 22 each. Minnesota’s second unit continues to impress, led by Donte DiVincenzo’s 18 and Naz Reid’s 15.

Grizzlies 115, Kings 107

Zach Edey delivered a breakout performance with 32 points, 17 rebounds and 5 blocks as Memphis pulled away from Sacramento. The 7-footer went 16-of-20 from the field and scored six straight to turn a 107-107 tie into a win.

DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 23 points and Malik Monk added 21, but Sacramento was outshot, outrebounded and out-hustled in the paint.

Lakers 133, Pelicans 121

Luka Doncic scored 20 of his 34 in the first quarter and added 12 boards as the Lakers stayed red-hot, beating a shorthanded New Orleans team. Austin Reaves poured in 33 with eight assists.

LeBron James sat, but LA still won its seventh straight. The Pelicans were without Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III. Saddiq Bey led the visitors with 22 points and 11 rebounds.

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