NBA Player News

Kornet logged 16 points (7-10 FG, 2-2 FT), 10 rebounds and three assists across 25 minutes during Friday's 131-98 win over the Hornets.

Kornet got his sixth start of the season Friday with the Celtics resting all of their starters plus Al Horford (toe). Kornet took advantage of the opportunity, as he managed to register his first double-double of the season and the third of his career. He'll likely get the start at center for Boston's regular-season finale against Washington on Sunday.

Queta amassed 16 points (8-10 FG), six rebounds, five assists and two steals over 18 minutes during Friday's 131-98 win over Charlotte.

Queta returned to Boston on Friday after spending time in the G League with the Maine Celtics. With Boston locked into the best record in the NBA, the team opted to sit all five of its starters and Al Horford (toe), which gave Queta and the rest of the bench players extended playing time Friday. Queta took advantage of the opportunity, scoring a career-high 16 points on just 10 field-goal attempts. He will likely see a similar workload in the Celtics' regular-season finale against the Wizards on Sunday.

Bolden logged six points (2-5 FG, 2-2 FT), five rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal over 30 minutes during Friday's 131-98 loss to the Celtics.

Bolden got the start Friday due to the absences of Grant Williams (ankle) and Nick Richards (foot). Bolden saw his heaviest usage of the season Friday, though he managed to record only six points on five field-goal attempts. He could see a similar amount of playing time in the Hornets' regular-season finale Sunday against the Cavaliers.

Embiid closed with 32 points (10-23 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 8-9 FT), 13 rebounds, seven assists and one block in 32 minutes during Friday's 125-113 win over the Magic.

Embiid recorded his 30th double-double of the season Friday, and he reached that mark for the third straight game. There was a scare in the second quarter when Embiid went to the locker room after awkwardly landing on his recently repaired left knee, but he was able to return for the second half. The 76ers have now won seven straight games, and a win in the regular-season finale Sunday against the Nets could catapult Philadelphia into the top six in the Eastern Conference, which would allow them to avoid the NBA Play-In Tournament.

Wagner provided 17 points (7-7 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), six rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal in 18 minutes during Friday's 125-113 loss to Philadelphia.

Wagner has now scored in double digits in two of his last three games. He's averaging 17.7 minutes per game this season, but with Wendell Carter leaving Friday's game due to back spasms, Wagner could see extended playing time in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Bucks.

Sabonis logged 25 points (9-18 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 12 rebounds, nine assists and two steals across 42 minutes during Friday's 108-107 loss to the Suns.

Sabonis was pestered consistently by Jusuf Nurkic during the loss, and some calls didn't go Sacramento's way during the interior battle. As one of the team's top contributors, Sabonis may need to post another big total against the Trail Blazers on Sunday. A loss would ensure the Kings end up with the ninth or 10th seed, which would require two wins in the Play-In Tournament to earn a spot in the playoff bracket.

Landale closed Friday's 116-107 win over the Trail Blazers with 20 points (8-13 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 4-4 FT), four rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal in 32 minutes.

The Rockets experimented with a smaller lineup during Portland's win over Utah, but they brought size back into the frontcourt with Landale against the Trail Blazers, presumably to contain Deandre Ayton (back). Landale was effective against Portland's alternate options after Ayton exited early. Now with his third team in three seasons, Landale is projected to stay trapped behind Alperen Sengun next season, but the 6-foot-11 center could see more time in frontcourt injury scenarios.

Carter (back) didn't return to Friday's 125-113 loss to the 76ers after exiting the game with 8:11 in the first quarter due to back spasms. He finished with four points (2-3 FG, 0-1 3Pt) during his time on the court.

The Magic had listed Carter as questionable to return shortly after he suffered the injury, but he remained on the bench for the start of the second half and never checked back into the contest. After suffering the loss, the Magic are tied with the Pacers and 76ers for the fifth through seventh seeds in the Eastern Conference standings, while the Heat sit one game behind in the eighth spot. With the Magic eager to avoid the Play-In Tournament by falling to the No. 7 or 8 seed, the team will hope to have Carter available for Sunday's regular-season finale versus the Bucks.

Holmgren provided 22 points (9-13 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 3-3 FT), nine rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal across 25 minutes during Friday's 125-107 victory over the Bucks.

Holmgren turned in a strong performance Friday, helping the Thunder to a clutch victory. They now sit atop the Western Conference and a win over Dallas on Sunday would secure them a first-place finish. Holmgren has been a revelation this season, taking the Thunder's ceiling to another level. From a fantasy perspective, there is a chance managers are going to have to part with a second-round pick to secure his services next year.

Davis logged 36 points (11-22 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 13-17 FT), 14 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and one steal over 43 minutes during Friday's 123-120 victory over the Grizzlies.

Davis missed Tuesday's loss to Golden State due to a headache and nausea, but he was able to suit up for Friday's contest. He and fellow All-Star LeBron James combined for 73 points in a key win that helped propel the Lakers to the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. Including Friday's performance, Davis has put up at least 35 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks on five occasions this season. The Lakers can clinch the No. 8 seed with a win in Sunday's regular-season finale in New Orleans but could fall to as low as 10th with a loss, so Davis and the rest of the team's starters figure to suit up and play their full allotment of minutes.