NBA Player News

Sengun had 22 points (10-13 FG, 2-2 FT), six rebounds, eight assists and one block across 29 minutes during Friday's 136-132 loss to the Timberwolves.

The Timberwolves bested the Rockets in rebounds by a 39-25 margin, and Sengun's lower numbers off the glass were part of the problem. The big man regressed after posting double-digit rebound totals in two consecutive games. The mini-streak was preceded by other below-average rebound totals, but Jabari Smith has helped to prop up the team's overall results. Houston's interior effectiveness could be exploited in the playoffs, so Sengun will need to be at his best in the upcoming postseason.

Drummond produced 10 points (4-10 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 16 rebounds, one assist and one steal across 29 minutes during Friday's 105-94 win over the Pacers.

Drummond didn't get the start Friday over Adem Bona with Joel Embiid (appendicitis) sidelined. However, the veteran big man found a way to leave his mark while outpacing Bona -- Drummond logged 29 minutes compared to Bona's 19. Drummond has proven he can be a productive player regardless of his role, and he should see steady minutes in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Bucks since Embiid won't be available for that game, either.

Duren had 20 points (8-11 FG, 4-4 FT), nine rebounds and four assists over 22 minutes during Friday's 118-100 victory over the Hornets.

Duren ended just one rebound shy of recording what would've been an efficient double-double in 22 minutes, as he also missed just three of his 11 shots from the floor. Even though this was Duren's fourth straight without a double-double, the All-Star big man continues to produce on both ends of the court for a Pistons team that already locked up the No. 1 seed in the East. Duren is ending the season on a strong note. He has scored at least 20 points and/or has grabbed at least nine rebounds in five of his last six games since a one-game absence on March 30 versus the Thunder due to knee injury management.

Valanciunas ended with 23 points (9-14 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 17 rebounds, four assists and two blocks in 32 minutes during Friday's 127-107 win over the Thunder.

Valanciunas turned back the clock as Denver opted to rest a number of its starters. Against a Thunder team that adopted the same strategy, Valanciunas was able to take full advantage, delivering his best performance of the season. While it was great to see some juice in the legs, don't expect Valanciunas to play more than about 12 minutes per contest once the playoffs arrive.

Carlson supplied 23 points (8-18 FG, 3-10 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 12 rebounds, five assists and one block in 37 minutes during Friday's 127-107 loss to Denver.

Carlson moved into the starting lineup for the third time this season, recording his third career double-double. If we rewind almost 12 months to the day, Carlson amassed his first double-double, finding himself in basically an identical situation. With Oklahoma City once again guaranteed the top seed in the Western Conference, it wouldn't be surprising to see Carlson playing big minutes again during Sunday's season finale.

Sims contributed 11 points (4-4 FG, 3-5 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal in 30 minutes during Friday's 125-108 win over the Nets.

On the heels of logging his first career triple-double his last time out, Sims moved back to the bench to accommodate for the return of Myles Turner on Friday but still managed to collect his sixth double-double of the year. The fifth-year big man has been playing a significant role for the Bucks down the stretch, averaging 9.1 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 28.6 minutes per contest in his last 10 games while shooting an efficient 66.7 percent from the field.

Towns logged 22 points (8-12 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 5-5 FT), 10 rebounds and five assists over 30 minutes in Friday's 112-95 win over Toronto on Friday.

Towns scored 14 of his 22 points in the first half to help the Knicks build a 15-point lead heading into the break. He finished as the team's leader in rebounds and assists and second in points behind Jalen Brunson (29 points). Towns has recorded a double-double in three consecutive games and is up to 56 on the season, which leads the Association. New York is locked in as the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, so it wouldn't be surprising to see Towns rest for Sunday's regular-season finale against Charlotte.

Cisse accumulated seven points (3-5 FG, 1-5 FT), eight rebounds, three blocks and two steals across 19 minutes during Friday's 139-120 loss to San Antonio.

Cisse recorded at least five combined steals and blocks for the second time in his past three games, once again flashing some nice defensive upside. Although his role has been sporadic, Cisse has demonstrated enough to at least keep himself relevant when available. With one game remaining in the season, Cisse makes for a viable streaming option for anyone needing rebounds and blocks.

Castleton had three points (1-2 FG, 1-1 FT), two rebounds and one steal over six minutes during Friday's 127-103 win over Chicago.

Castleton remained in the rotation, albeit as nothing more than a garbage-time participant. In fact, all four of his appearances this season have come in lopsided games. Although he does have a somewhat fantasy-friendly skill set, his role is far too insignificant to warrant any attention.

Bitadze finished Friday's 127-103 win over Chicago with 15 points (6-7 FG, 3-3 FT), 11 rebounds, two blocks and one steal across 17 minutes.

Bitadze recorded his second straight double-double, taking advantage of a shorthanded opponent. Although it has been a nice stretch for Bitadze, there is no reason to suspect his role is likely to change moving forward. He should continue to serve as the primary backup behind Wendell Carter, typically playing no more than about 15 minutes per game.