Andy

NBA Overnight Notes — Oct 31 Trail Blazers 112, Jazz 90 Ja Morant – out with no timeline from Micah Nori; Portland will miss him most on turnovers Yang Hansen – extended minutes with Donovan Clingan in foul trouble; Nori says things are "starting to slow down for him" 76ers 109, Hornets 104 LeBron James – sat out along with Joel Embiid; no reason given, VJ Edgecombe confirmed both absences Jabari Walker – returned for 20 minutes backing up Joel Embiid; Nurse said "the 4-5 was a little thin" Pelicans 121, Hawks 99 Dejounte Murray – out again "for similar reasons," per Jamahl Mosley; Herb Jones and Jeremiah Fears started Zion Williamson – suggested mid-game he be more a screener than handler; Mosley pairs him late with Jeremiah Fears Grizzlies 136, Kings 105 Javon Small – ran the second unit with two unnamed guards out, after barely playing in the first five games Cam Spencer – played point guard with two guards out; 13 assists and 0 turnovers Cavaliers 136, Bucks 111 Meleek Thomas – kenny Atkinson's third ball handler six games into his rookie season; says the staff's confidence "means everything" Brayden Burries – drew the Donovan Mitchell assignment; called it "a good challenge" as a rookie Spurs 121, Timberwolves 111 Rudy Gobert – did not play on the second night of a back-to-back; no reason given LaMelo Ball – picked up six fouls; Finch says opponents bump, hold and ride him full court Rockets 119, Thunder 98 Alperen Sengun – returned from a lower-back flare-up; Udoka says it came from taking a charge, not a recurring injury Fred VanVleet – out on the back-to-back after surgery, as planned; Marcus Smart started in his place Best of the night: "I thought we got rid of that stuff in the '80s, but apparently not." – Chris Finch on opponents bumping and holding LaMelo Ball full court "He's earned that right. He's deserved that right. And that's on me." – Micah Nori on not playing Yang Hansen against Memphis "I've made 1,000-some 3-pointers, you know, I have confidence I'll make 1,000 more." – Myles Turner on shooting through the Bucks' slump Every note, game by game: presserwire.com/nba