NBA Player News

Duren accumulated zero points (0-2 FT), six rebounds and one assist over 11 minutes before fouling out of Wednesday's 105-95 win over the 76ers.

Duren delivered a dud for fantasy managers, lasting just 11 minutes before fouling out. It's been a modest start to the season for Duren, coming up short of preseason expectations. However, he is locked in as the starting center and typically sees 30 minutes per game. Managers simply need to sweep this game under the rug and move on.

Zubac supplied six points (2-7 FG, 2-6 FT), 12 rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal over 31 minutes during Wednesday's 106-105 loss to the Trail Blazers.

Although Zubac recorded 12 rebounds, his scoring took a bit of a dip after a strong start to the season. Kai Jones was able to log more time in this game, which changes Zubac's outlook to a degree. The team is still shallow at the position, but competition from the second unit is increasing, and Zubac is unaccustomed to logging 30-plus minutes every night.

Ayton had 15 points (7-15 FG, 1-3 3Pt), 12 rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal over 34 minutes during Wednesday's 106-105 win over the Clippers.

Ayton has logged five consecutive double-doubles to begin the season and is well on his way to exceeding his 32 double-doubles from last season. That number would have been higher, but injuries limited Ayton's production and held him to only 55 regular-season games. If he can stay healthy, Ayton could finish as one of the most productive centers in the Western Conference, but he needs to stay off the injury report to achieve that goal.

Vucevic supplied 18 points (7-16 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 14 rebounds, five assists, one block and one steal in 35 minutes during Wednesday's 102-99 victory over the Magic.

It's the fourth double-double in five games to begin the season for Vucevic. The veteran center hasn't let trade rumors distract him, and his averages of 20.2 points, 11.0 boards, 3.4 assists and 2.2 threes per game only improve his market value should the Bulls elect to move him.

Missi was held scoreless (0-5 FG), with three rebounds and one assist across 12 minutes of Wednesday's 104-89 loss to the Warriors.

Missi logged fewer than 20 minutes for the first time this season despite Daniel Theis (ankle) seeing just five minutes Wednesday due to injury. Per Will Guillory of The Athletic, Missi was battling hip soreness stemming from a collision he had in Tuesday's game. Instead, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl saw most of the center work, totaling 23 minutes. While Missi hasn't put together any gaudy stat lines, he's been a strong per-minute producer and has been a great source of blocks.

Theis has been ruled out for the remainder of Wednesday's game against the Warriors due to a right ankle injury.

It's unclear how Theis picked up the injury, but it's considered severe enough to keep him sidelined for the rest of Wednesday's tilt. He finishes the contest scoreless (0-2 FG) with three rebounds across five minutes. Yves Missi and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl should share center work the rest of the way. Theis' next chance to play will come Friday against Indiana.

Wembanyama (undisclosed) has returned to Wednesday's game against the Thunder, Kelly Iko of The Athletic reports.

Wembanyama temporarily exited Wednesday's contest, but he's returned to the game after a brief trip to the locker room. He's averaged 20.0 points, 12.0 rebounds and 2.7 blocks across 31.3 minutes during the Spurs' first three games this season.

Wembanyama exited Wednesday's game against the Thunder and went back to the locker room, Jeff Garcia of KENS 5 San Antonio reports.

Wembanyama was limping while walking to the locker room just minutes after falling to the floor. Specifics regarding the injuries are unknown. While he's absent, Zach Collins and Sandro Mamukelashvili could see more action. The Spurs are on the front end of a back-to-back, so they could opt to play it safe with the 20-year-old star.

Valanciunas registered 22 points (8-10 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 5-6 FT), eight rebounds and six assists in 25 minutes during Wednesday's 133-120 win over the Hawks.

Valanciunas entered Washington's starting five Monday against Atlanta, but he retreated to the bench for Wednesday's rematch. His change of role didn't seem to bother him, however, as he put together a well-rounded game while pacing the Wizards' bench in scoring. The veteran center will provide valuable backup minutes behind Alex Sarr and will occasionally enter the starting lineup throughout the 2024-25 regular season.

Castleton agreed to a two-way contract with the Grizzlies on Wednesday, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports.

With Memphis converting Jay Huff to a standard NBA contract, Castleton will fill the Grizzlies' vacant third two-way slot and provide added depth at center. As a rookie last season, Castleton made 16 appearances with the Lakers and averaged 1.5 points and 0.8 rebounds in 3.7 minutes.