The Cleveland Cavaliers, playing at an unusually early time to avoid conflict with the Cleveland Indian's attempt at their first World Series title since 1948, remained undefeated. A dominant powerhouse dropped its first contest of the year, while the MonStars showed another solid squad in the Western Conference just how good they can be.

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Game Notes for November 1st, 2016

Detroit Pistons 102, New York Knicks 89

• Tobias Harris continues his excellent start to the 2016-2017 campaign, popping off for 25 points and 10 boards. This marks his fourth straight game with 16 or more points, while averaging 20.3 on the young season. He's also 7-13 from behind the arc. Harris' numbers will likely come down to earth, although not by much as the Pistons lack multiple scoring threats with Reggie Jackson out. Ride him while he's hot. Marcus Morris added 22 points and Andre Drummond grabbed 13 rebounds.
• It looks like the Knicks' season will again be one frustrating rollercoaster. Granted, the team and all its new components still need to mesh, but they looked lost at times last night. They often came close to tying the score, only to squander another 8-0 run to the Pistons in the second half. Carmelo Anthony continues to do his thing from the field, posting 24 points, but will need to do more in the assist and rebound department (two boards, one assist). Joakim Noah scored only two points, but contributed an important 12 rebounds, eight assists, and two blocks, proving he doesn't need to score to be a valuable asset for seasonal leagues and daily fantasy.

 

Cleveland Cavaliers 120, Houston Rockets 120 

• One Cleveland franchise was victorious last night. The Cavs continued their dominant championship reign behind the 32 points of Kyrie Irving. LeBron James flirted with yet another triple-double, just two assists shy of his second of the season. Kevin Love added 24 points and five boards. The Cavs have made one thing clear; last year was no fluke. They're hungry for a repeat. Target both of these teams in DFS every time they take the floor.
• The Rockets once again proved how well they play defense. It's pretty evident how quickly they can score, but how quickly they allow baskets is even more glaring. James Harden is playing like an absolute freak, posting 41 points, 15 assists, seven rebounds, and only one turnover. Yes, you read that correctly. For those of you choosing to ignore his inclination for coughing the ball over have been handsomely rewarded.

 

Orlando Magic 103, Philadelphia 76 101

• Serge Ibaka had his best performance to date with the Orlando Magic, putting up 24 points (8-12 from the field), adding four boards, two blocks, and a trey. The Magic are finally in the win column, behind other outstanding showings from Nikola Vucevic (24 points, 14 rebounds - five offensive) and Elfrid Payton (18 points, 10 assists). I'm telling you, despite the 1-3 record, this team is a double-double producing machine.
• Look at the Sixers showing some fight in the early going this season. Just wait until Joel Embiid paroles from his playing time restriction. In 25 minutes, he still managed to drop 18 points, 10 rebounds, three dimes, and four blocks. Dario Saric also had the best performance of his three-game career with 23 points. He put up only five in both his previous contests, so lets see if this is something he can sustain (I think so). Sergio Rodriguez posted his first double-double of the season while Hollis Thompson contributed 22 points off the bench. They might not win a lot of games, but this Sixers team will be fun to watch because of all their young talent.

 

Indiana Pacers 115, Los Angeles Lakers 108

• The Pacers as a team posted eight blocks, I like it. Paul George captained the charge with 30 points (12-12 from the charity stripe), while Thaddeus Young continued with his all-purpose ways, posting 14 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals, one block, and two three-pointers.
• It amazes me that Lou Williams and Jordan Clarkson come off of the bench. Clarkson led the team with 31 minutes played, while Williams led the way with 19 points. We'll see if head coach Luke Walton continues to shake things up in the rotation.

 

Miami Heat 108, Sacramento Kings 96

• The Heat exploded for 17 points in overtime to overtake the Kings, evening their record at 2-2. Goran Dragic capped an impressive overall team performance with 25 points, eight helpers, eight boards, two steals, two blocks, and shot 5-8 from downtown. Hassan Whiteside posted his fourth straight double-double and Dion Waiters continued his solid play with 20 points. Tyler Johnson, a guy to watch this season alongside Justise Winslow, contributed 22 off the bench.
• Man, if this team learned to play defense, they would be among the elite in the Western Conference. Boogie and Rudy Gay both put up 30 points, Gay adding 12 rebounds to their losing cause. Aaron Afflalo had his best showing as a King draining 7-17 from the field for 18 total points.

 

Milwaukee Bucks 117, New Orleans Pelicans 113

• The Greek Freak posted his second double-double of the season (24 points, 10 boards), dished out seven, and swatted two. Jabari Parker added 21 points and was a perfect 7-7 from the charity stripe. Rookie Malcolm Brogdon had a career night, putting up 14 points and four steals. The Bucks are deep, receiving a 45-point contribution from their bench.
• My, my, Anthony Davis. Can anyone stop you? Let's first note that he attempted 18 free throws, and missed only one. AD's 35 points were his third highest total on the season so far. And the Pelicans are still winless in four games. The Brow added 15 rebounds, three blocks and three steals. I think we can leave it at that. Oh, and Tim Frazier tallied 20 points, nine assists, and four steals.

 

Minnesota Timberwolves 116, Memphis Grizzlies 80

• Most of the Timberwolves did not see the floor in the fourth quarter of their first win of the season, hurting lineups in both seasonal and daily fantasy. But, some players still made the most of their minutes. Like Zach Lavine. Lavine posted 31 points in 29 minutes, benefiting from the absence (big surprise) of Ricky Rubio. All five T-Wolves starters scored in double-digits while the Big KAT posted his first double-double of the season. Also keep an eye on Kris Dunn while Rubio continues to miss action.
• This looks like a Grizzlies score total from last season when Marc Gasol and the rest of the team were plagued by injuries. Well, Gasol and Mike Conley both sat Tuesday night, both healthy scratches, justified as "maintenance" by head coach David Fizdale, according to ESPN.com. Any time that happens, we can almost guarantee a loss for the ball club.

 

Utah Jazz 106, San Antonio Spurs 91

• Watch out for the Utah Jazz, or any team that can hold the Spurs under 100 points. San Antonio, usually the ones limiting opposing teams, were flustered by the George Hill's 22 points during their first loss of the season. The rest was a team effort; Rodney Hood 19 points, Trey Lyles 15, Shelvin Mack 14. Rudy Gobert added 12 rebounds.
• Despite a 30-point showing from Kawhi Leonard and 21 points from LaMarcus Aldridge, the rest of the team failed to back up its two stars. The Spurs received only 24 points from their bench. Pau Gasol also struggled to put up big numbers for the fourth time in five games this season.

 

Golden State Warriors 127, Portland Trailblazers 104

• If this is just a small preview at what we'll see from the Warriors all season, watch out NBA. Especially since Klay Thompson hasn't even begun to get going. Thompson has only breached the 20-point mark once this season, while failing to score from behind the arc in his last 13 attempts (3-28 overall). But have no fear. In case you forgot, Kevin Durant is now a Warrior. KD posted 20 points, behind Steph Curry's 28, while Draymond Green generously sprinkled a ton of stats across the board.
• Despite another 30-point showing from Damian Lillard, the Trailblazers were no match for the defending Western Conference champions Tuesday night. Lillard has posted point totals of 39, 29, 37, and 31. The kid is locked in, and should be considered in DFS every time he laces up.