NBA Player News

Gafford (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Friday's game against the Celtics.

After posting 12 points (5-6 FG, 2-4 FT), 13 rebounds, one assist and two blocks in 25 minutes during Thursday's 115-114 loss to the Magic, Gafford is expected to miss the second half of Dallas' back-to-back set as he continues to manage a lingering right ankle injury. The Mavericks' frontcourt will be significantly shorthanded for the matchup against Boston, as Marvin Bagley (neck) is also listed as doubtful. If both big men are ruled out as expected, P.J. Washington and Dwight Powell would be the primary candidates to see expanded minutes at center.

Embiid (oblique) will be re-evaluated in approximately one week, Noah Levick of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports Friday.

Embiid has been sidelined since Feb. 26 after sustaining a right oblique strain during a win over the Heat. While he remains out for the immediate future, the 76ers announced that the big man has begun individual strength work, a positive sign in his recovery process. Philadelphia has a busy slate over the next week, and Embiid will miss at least the next four contests based on this timeline. Andre Drummond should continue to start at center in the interim, with Adem Bona serving as the primary backup. Embiid's next realistic chance to suit up will likely come in mid-March, although Philadelphia might opt to take a cautious approach with the injury-prone Embiid.

Horford contributed 17 points (7-15 FG, 3-6 3Pt), six rebounds, five assists, two blocks and one steal across 33 minutes during Thursday's 115-113 overtime victory over the Rockets.

Horford has alternated between the starting lineup and the bench most of the season, but he's been productive when handed a first-unit role. He has scored in double digits in his four starts since the All-Star break, averaging 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists across 28.5 minutes per game.

Sengun produced 17 points (8-20 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 1-1 FT), seven rebounds, seven assists and one steal across 37 minutes during Thursday's 115-113 overtime loss to the Warriors.

Sengun, who was questionable to play this game due to an illness, still suited up, finishing three boards and three assists away from recording what would've been his second triple-double since the All-Star break. The star big man hasn't missed a game since Jan. 9, and that availability is valuable in most formats as well. Sengun is averaging 18.6 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game since the All-Star break.

Duren contributed seven points (3-7 FG, 1-3 FT), seven rebounds and two assists across 12 minutes during Thursday's 121-106 loss to San Antonio.

Duren was limited to 12 minutes due to foul trouble. This outing ended Duren's run of six straight double-doubles, but the All-Star big man will aim to bounce back when the Pistons face the Nets on Saturday, which should be a much more favorable matchup on paper. Duren is averaging 22.9 points, 12.7 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game since the All-Star break, so one game isn't going to erase all the good things he's done lately.

Eubanks closed Thursday's 133-123 loss to the Pelicans with 15 points (7-9 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 1-3 FT) and 11 rebounds in 22 minutes off the bench.

It was the first double-double of the season for Eubanks, and his first in the NBA since 2022-23. The journeyman center is getting a bigger look in the frontcourt rotation with Domantas Sabonis (knee) and De'Andre Hunter (eye) both done for the season. Eubanks has played double-digit minutes in three of the last four games, putting him on the radar as a punt play in DFS.

Hayes finished Thursday's 120-113 loss to Denver with 19 points (8-10 FG, 3-5 FT), five rebounds and two assists in 27 minutes off the bench.

Deandre Ayton (knee) was able to play only four minutes, opening the door for Hayes to see his biggest workload since Feb. 12 and set a new season scoring high. Hayes hasn't scored more than eight points in any of his prior six games, but if Ayton winds up missing more time, he's likely to be the biggest beneficiary in the Lakers' frontcourt.

Ayton left Thursday's game against Denver due to left knee soreness, Dan Woike of The Athletic reports.

It appears that Ayton was able to avoid a serious injury. He'll presumably be re-evaluated Friday to determine his status for the second half of a back-to-back Friday against the Pacers.

Jokic totaled 28 points (10-15 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 8-8 FT), 12 rebounds, 13 assists, one steal and one block in 38 minutes during Thursday's 120-113 victory over the Lakers.

Jokic nearly committed double-digit turnovers, but he shot the ball with efficiency, which was evident by a perfect 8-for-8 night at the charity stripe. He also led the Nuggets in rebounds and assists. Jokic is averaging 27.6 points, 13.2 rebounds, 9.4 assists and 1.0 blocks over his last five matchups.

Ayton won't return to Thursday's game against Denver due to a knee injury, Dan Woike of The Athletic reports. He'll end the night with two rebounds in five minutes.

The severity of Ayton's injury is unclear at this time. Jaxson Hayes started the second half in Ayton's place and will presumably be leaned on heavily during the final two periods of play.