NBA round-up of the 7 games played on 31 October 2026.
Utah Jazz 90 – 112 Portland Trail Blazers
Utah’s early-season optimism is quickly fading. The Jazz have shown flashes of brilliance on offence, but consistency remains a major problem in Salt Lake City.
Last night, the Trail Blazers arrived in town and dominated from start to finish, taking a 26-point lead into the fourth quarter. Deni Avdija led the way with 24 points, while Damian Lillard added 22.
Portland are emerging as one of the pleasant surprises of the season with a 4-1 record, despite losing Ja Morant to a hamstring injury. Utah, meanwhile, have fallen to 1-5, with Lauri Markkanen struggling from the field, shooting just 3-for-14.
Charlotte Hornets 104 – 109 Philadelphia 76ers
Another game with a reshuffled line-up and another victory for the 76ers, who lead the Eastern Conference despite seemingly playing well within themselves.
As expected, Tyrese Maxey once again led the way for Philadelphia, finishing with 38 points. Jaylen Brown had a quieter night with 15, while Anfernee Simons contributed 19 off the bench. LeBron James and Joel Embiid were both rested.
As for the Hornets, their problems are becoming increasingly apparent, particularly in the absence of the influential Kon Knueppel. Brandon Miller tried to carry the offensive load with 24 points, but apart from Grayson Allen’s 27, there was little support from his teammates.
New Orleans Pelicans 121 – 99 Atlanta Hawks
The Pelicans are beginning to find their rhythm. After losing several close games at the start of the season, they have now recorded two consecutive home victories, the latest against an Atlanta Hawks side that continues to raise questions.
While Zion Williamson has yet to fully establish himself as the team’s undisputed leader, Jeremiah Fears impressed with 20 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Saddiq Bey also made a major contribution off the bench, scoring 25 points.
Atlanta, meanwhile, endured a dreadful shooting night, making just seven of their 46 attempts from three-point range. Jalen Johnson was among those who struggled, finishing with 13 points.
Memphis Grizzlies 136 – 105 Sacramento Kings
The contrast between these two teams could hardly be greater. Memphis are riding high after an impressive start to the season, playing some excellent basketball. Sacramento, meanwhile, remain stuck in a slump that has left them as one of just two winless teams in the league, alongside Brooklyn.
Another heavy defeat was hardly a surprise for the Kings, who have now lost all six of their games by an average margin of 19 points. Domantas Sabonis may have offered words of encouragement, but they have yet to translate into results on the court.
Without Ty Jerome, Memphis were led by Cameron Boozer, who recorded 27 points and nine rebounds. Sacramento’s standout performer was rookie Darius Acuff Jr., who impressed with 38 points. His performance was one of the few positives for the struggling Kings.
Milwaukee Bucks 111 – 136 Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland cruised to a comfortable victory in Milwaukee. The Cavaliers were expected to have the upper hand, but the scale of their dominance was remarkable, particularly during a second quarter in which they scored an astonishing 48 points.
The Bucks simply had no answer. Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley dominated inside, combining for 52 points and 16 rebounds, while Cleveland entered the fourth quarter with a commanding 33-point lead.
The result underlined the contrasting fortunes of the two teams. Cleveland are looking to establish themselves among the Eastern Conference’s leading contenders, while Milwaukee continue to struggle near the bottom of the standings.
San Antonio Spurs 121 – 111 Minnesota Timberwolves
Victor Wembanyama delivered his best scoring performance of the season with 43 points as the Spurs overcame a determined Minnesota Timberwolves side playing without the injured Anthony Edwards.
It was a competitive contest, with Minnesota cutting the deficit to just four points midway through the final quarter. However, San Antonio had enough quality to hold off the visitors and secure the victory.
Beyond Wembanyama’s outstanding performance, the Spurs received valuable contributions from Dylan Harper, who scored 25 points, and De’Aaron Fox, who added 22. Ayo Dosunmu led Minnesota with 27 points.
Houston Rockets 119 – 98 Oklahoma City Thunder
Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso, Chet Holmgren… Even a team as strong as the Thunder cannot keep overcoming so many absences, not even with a two-time MVP in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way.
Against the Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City struggled to compete, eventually falling to a 21-point defeat despite Gilgeous-Alexander finishing with 26 points.
Houston have taken a significant step forward this season, and against opponents of this calibre, the injury-hit Thunder need more options. Jabari Smith Jr. was particularly impressive for the Rockets, finishing with 30 points and nine rebounds.
(Photograph by IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)