NBA Player News

Porzingis finished Wednesday's 125-117 victory over the Hawks with 31 points (13-19 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 3-4 FT), three rebounds, one assist and two blocks over 31 minutes.

The veteran big led the Celtics in scoring while delivering 30 or more points for the second time in his last six games. Porzingis is having his usual trouble staying on the court, missing five games since the beginning of January due to knee and ankle trouble, but he's been productive when he's been available -- over his last nine contests, the 28-year-old is averaging 21.7 points, 6.8 boards, 2.6 threes, 2.3 blocks and 2.1 assists while shooting 53.2 percent from the floor and 45.1 percent from beyond the arc.

Okongwu finished with 19 points (7-11 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists and two blocks in 36 minutes during Wednesday's 125-117 loss to the Celtics.

With Clint Capela (thigh) out for a second straight game, Okongwu recorded his seventh double-double of the season. Capela's injury isn't viewed as serious, but if he were to get moved at the trade deadline, Okongwu's fantasy value could skyrocket down the stretch. Five of his double-doubles this season have come in games during which he played 30-plus minutes.

Gafford totaled 14 points (7-12 FG), 13 rebounds, four blocks and one steal across 35 minutes during Wednesday's 114-106 loss to Cleveland.

The fifth-year center won his individual battle with Jarrett Allen on the night, even if the Wizards lost the war. The double-double was Gafford's fourth in the last six games and ninth of the season, leaving him one short of the career-high 10 he recorded in 2022-23. Over that six-game stretch, he's averaging 12.8 points, 11.3 boards, 2.2 blocks, 1.3 assists and 1.3 steals while shooting 66.0 percent from the floor.

Sabonis had 30 points (11-17 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 7-10 FT), 12 rebounds, seven assists and one steal over 41 minutes during Wednesday's 133-120 loss to the Pistons.

Sabonis extended his newest double-double streak to seven games as he continued his reign atop the category, well ahead of Nikola Jokic's 42 double-doubles. Sabonis has failed to hit the milestone only four times this season, making him the most reliable center in the Western Conference. His increased assist totals have turned him into a legitimate triple-double threat as well, and his 15 triple-double games leave him tied with Jokic for first place.

Duren provided 20 points (7-10 FG, 6-6 FT), 15 rebounds and six assists in 37 minutes during Wednesday's 133-120 win over the Kings.

Duren logged his 25th double-double of the season, improving his ranking in the category to a tie for 13th alongside Victor Wembanyama. Duren would probably have even more significant numbers on a better team, but the second-year Memphis product is a solid anchor for the youth movement in Detroit. He's averaged 14.1 points and 11.7 rebounds while shooting 65.1 percent over 35 games.

Valanciunas has been ruled out for the remainder of Wednesday's game against the Clippers with a right calf contusion. He'll finish the game with eight points (3-3 FG, 2-2 FT), two rebounds, one assist and one steal over 11 minutes.

Valanciunas sustained the injury in the first half during a collision with teammate Brandon Ingram. Larry Nance drew the second-half start in Valanciunas' place and should continue to hold down the fort at center along with Cody Zeller for the rest of Wednesday's contest. Valanciunas' next chance to play will come Friday against the Lakers.

Valanciunas went to the locker room with a right calf injury during Wednesday's game against the Clippers, Mark Medina of NBA.com reports.

Valanciunas collided with Brandon Ingram and went down holding his calf. While he was able to walk back to the locker room on his own, Valanciunas should be considered questionable to return.

Plumlee isn't in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game versus the Pelicans.

Ivica Zubac will replace Mason Plumlee in the starting five Wednesday. Plumlee is averaging 5.2 points and 4.9 rebounds in 15.7 minutes across his previous 10 appearances coming off the bench this season.

Muscala is in the starting five for Wednesday's game versus the Kings, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic reports.

Muscala will make just his fourth start of the season Wednesday. The veteran big man is averaging 3.3 points and 3.0 rebounds in 15.3 minutes across his previous three appearances.

Davis (hip/Achilles) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Nuggets, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.

Davis was labeled questionable on the Lakers' initial injury report due to lingering hip and Achilles issues that caused him to miss a pair of contests. With Thursday's tilt being the opening leg of a back-to-back, Davis could have a heightened chance at sitting out. If he ends up missing, expect Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood to pick up the slack.