NBA Friday Roundup: Pascal Siakam lifts Pacers, Wolves outgun Cavs, Jazz edge Mavs; Heat-Bulls postponed

Pascal Siakam delivered when it mattered most, Julius Randle powered a statement win at home, and Lauri Markkanen reminded everyone why Utah remains a tough out as Friday night’s NBA action featured tight finishes, explosive scoring, and one unusual postponement.

Pacers outlast Hornets as Siakam shines late

The Indiana Pacers held off a late Charlotte Hornets push to escape with a 114–112 road win, leaning heavily on Pascal Siakam’s all-around brilliance.

Siakam finished with 30 points and 14 rebounds, controlling the paint and providing timely buckets whenever Charlotte threatened to swing momentum. Indiana built small but crucial cushions in each quarter, never allowing the Hornets to fully seize control despite the narrow margin.

LaMelo Ball did everything he could to will Charlotte back, erupting for 33 points, eight assists, and three steals in a dynamic performance that energized the home crowd. Ball’s shot-making and playmaking kept the Hornets within striking distance down the stretch, but Indiana’s composure—particularly on the defensive glass—proved decisive.

The win gives the Pacers another confidence-boosting road result as they continue to balance a fast-paced offense with improved late-game execution.

Timberwolves pull away late to sink Cavaliers

In one of the night’s most entertaining matchups, the Minnesota Timberwolves surged past the Cleveland Cavaliers, 131–122, behind a dominant second-half push at home.

Julius Randle anchored Minnesota with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, repeatedly punishing mismatches and setting the tone during a decisive third-quarter run. The Wolves exploded for 43 points in the third, flipping a tight contest into a double-digit advantage.

Cleveland stayed competitive behind Donovan Mitchell, who tallied 30 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists, but the Cavaliers struggled to contain Minnesota’s interior scoring and ball movement once the tempo ramped up.

The win reinforces Minnesota’s reputation as one of the league’s most dangerous home teams, capable of overwhelming opponents in short bursts.

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BREAKING: Anthony Edwards reaches 10,000 career points —

3rd youngest player in NBA history to reach 10k points — trailing LeBron and Durant. pic.twitter.com/hy12S96jxi

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 9, 2026

Jazz survive Mavericks in Salt Lake City

Lauri Markkanen delivered another star turn as the Utah Jazz edged the Dallas Mavericks, 116–114, in a back-and-forth battle at the Delta Center.

Markkanen poured in 33 points with seven rebounds, showcasing his versatile scoring arsenal from deep, midrange, and the free-throw line. Utah leaned on his shot-making during crunch time as Dallas struggled to get consistent stops.

Rookie standout Cooper Flagg nearly stole the show for the Mavericks, posting 26 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists in one of his most complete performances to date. Flagg’s poise and two-way impact kept Dallas within striking distance until the final possessions.

Utah’s ability to execute late—combined with Markkanen’s efficiency—proved just enough to hold off the young Mavericks.

Heat vs. Bulls postponed due to unusual conditions

The scheduled matchup between the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls at the United Center was postponed due to court condensation, an uncommon but safety-driven decision. League officials determined the playing surface was too slippery to proceed, with a makeup date yet to be announced.

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