NBA Player News

Bassey recorded 12 points (6-8 FG), 13 rebounds, one assist and two blocks in 30 minutes off the bench during Thursday's 119-103 loss to the Lakers.

Seeing his biggest workload of the season, Bassey delivered his second straight double-double and the fifth of his career. The fifth-year center could see big workloads again over the final two games of the regular season as Golden State prioritizes getting its frontcourt healthy for the Play-In Tournament.

Ayton provided 21 points (9-11 FG, 3-4 FT), five rebounds, one assist and one block over 31 minutes during Thursday's 119-103 victory over the Warriors.

It's the first time since March 12 that Ayton has delivered 20-plus points. All five Laker starters scored in double digits Thursday as the team tries to compensate for the absence of Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique), and in three games since the two stars went down, Ayton is averaging 12.3 points, 4.0 boards, 1.0 blocks and 0.7 assists in 24.3 minutes.

Drummond finished Thursday's 113-102 loss to the Rockets with five points (2-2 FG, 1-4 FT), 15 rebounds, five assists, one block and one steal over 30 minutes off the bench.

Adem Bona got the start with Joel Embiid (appendix) unavailable but played only 15 minutes, while Drummond handled the bigger workload from the second unit and produced his best rebounding effort since he pulled down 17 boards against the Trail Blazers on March 15. The veteran center doesn't offer much offense, but over his last 10 games, Drummond is averaging 4.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.0 blocks and 0.7 threes in just 16.4 minutes.

Towns tallied 16 points (6-12 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 3-3 FT), 12 rebounds, four assists and two steals across 30 minutes in Thursday's 112-106 win over the Celtics.

Towns didn't deliver his most efficient shooting performance from beyond the arc but still finished as New York's third-leading scorer behind Josh Hart (26) and Jalen Brunson (25). Towns turned in a solid all-around outing, grabbing a team-high 12 rebounds and recording multiple steals for a second straight game. The star big man also notched his third straight appearance with a double-double or better and has logged four such performances over his last five games, during which he has averaged 18.8 points, 12.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.0 steals per contest.

Horford (calf) took part in a 5-on-5 scrimmage Thursday, and the Warriors are hopeful he'll play Friday against the Kings, Sam Gordon of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Horford has already been ruled out for the first game of Golden State's back-to-back Thursday against the Lakers, but the team is optimistic about a Friday return. The veteran will presumably be re-evaluated Friday morning before another update is issued.

Williams (rest) isn't listed on the injury report ahead of Friday's game against the Lakers.

Williams got the night off Wednesday against Dallas, which provided Khaman Maluach an opportunity to start at center. However, Williams should step right back into the starting job Friday night after being omitted from the Suns' injury report.

Bassey (ankle) is available for Thursday's game against the Lakers.

Bassey will shake off his probable tag due to a sprained left ankle and suit up for the shorthanded Warriors. The big man logged 27 minutes in Tuesday's win over Sacramento and will likely retain significant playing time due to Kristaps Porzingis (illness), Al Horford (calf) and Quinten Post (foot) being sidelined.

Hartenstein (calf) is listed as out for Friday's game against Denver.

Hartenstein will take the night off to rest his calf. With Chet Holmgren (back) and Jaylin Williams (Achilles) also sidelined, Kenrich Williams and Branden Carlson are in line for more work.

Huff won't start Thursday's game against the Nets.

The 28-year-old center will retreat to the second unit in favor of Micah Potter on Thursday. Huff has averaged 7.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.2 blocks in 19.0 minutes per tilt over his last five outings off the bench.

Jokic (wrist) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against Oklahoma City.

Jokic hasn't missed a game in over two months. However, with the Nuggets getting ready for the playoffs, the three-time MVP might not suit up Friday. If Jokic doesn't get on the floor, Jonas Valanciunas will presumably return to the starting lineup for the first time since the 128-125 win over Utah on March 2.