NBA Player News

Jokic closed with 41 points (16-20 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 7-12 FT), 11 rebounds, seven assists and three steals in 38 minutes during Wednesday's 116-107 win over the Timberwolves.

Jokic turned in a majestic performance with the top seed in the West on the line. Jokic recorded this number despite being guarded by Rudy Gobert, who is a three-time Defensive Player of the Year winner. Despite the critical win, the Nuggets are only one game ahead of Minnesota and Oklahoma City, so Jokic should still be on the floor for the final two games and probably won't get any pre-playoff rest.

Zubac didn't play in Wednesday's 124-108 loss to the Suns on Wednesday after being listed as available for the contest.

Shortly before tipoff, the Clippers were officially locked into the Western Conference's fourth seed in the NBA Playoffs. With most of their starting lineup out with injury, Zubac also got the night off after dealing with left ankle inflammation heading into Wednesday's contest. Instead, Mason Plumlee and Daniel Theis handled the majority of the center work. The Clippers have two games left in the regular season -- the first of which comes Friday against the Jazz -- and it's unclear how much, if at all, Zubac will play in those contests given the ankle issue and the team's locked-in playoff slot.

Zubac is not on the court during pre-game introductions for Wednesday's game against Phoenix, Justin Russo of the 'Clip & Roll' podcast reports.

Zubac was deemed available for the contest after being listed as questionable with an ankle injury. However, after not being listed in the starting lineup, Zubac isn't on the court during pre-game activities and could end up being inactive Wednesday, though nothing's been made official yet.

Eubanks will come off the bench for Wednesday's game against the Clippers.

Eubanks will rejoin the reserves for Wednesday's game due to Jusuf Nurkic being back from a one-game absence. In his last 10 appearances, Eubanks is averaging 4.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks.

Plumlee will start Wednesday's game against the Suns, Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Despite Ivica Zubac being active, Plumlee will draw the starting nod against Phoenix. He shouldn't be expected to see typical starter's minutes but could be a decent source of rebounds.

Zubac will not start Wednesday's game against the Suns, Joey Linn of SI.com reports.

Zubac has been dealing with inflammation in his left ankle ahead of Wednesday's game and will likely have his minutes monitored. He will be replaced by Mason Plumlee in the first unit.

Zubac (ankle) is available for Wednesday's game versus the Suns.

Zubac has been upgraded from questionable to available Wednesday despite dealing with left ankle inflammation. The 26-year-old big man has been one of the most efficient players in the league, shooting 64.7 percent from the field this season.

Jokic (hip) is available for Wednesday's game versus the Timberwolves.

Jokic has been upgraded from probable to available despite dealing with left hip inflammation. Denver will be able to roll out their typical starting five against Minnesota in a crucial contest to determine the top seed in the Western Conference.

Collins will start Wednesday's game against the Thunder.

Collins will replace Victor Wembanyama (rest) in the start lineup against Oklahoma City. In 27 starts this season, Collins is averaging 14.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists.

Kessler (nose) is out for Thursday's game versus the Rockets, Sarah Todd of The Deseret News reports.

Kessler will miss his fourth straight contest Thursday due to a nasal fracture. Omer Yurtseven should receive another start in his absence.