NBA Player News

Richards (ankle) is probable for Wednesday's game versus the Pistons.

Richards has missed three straight games due to an ankle issue, but he's on track to return Wednesday. With Mark Williams (back) out, Richards has started 19 of his last 20 appearances, averaging 9.1 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 28.8 minutes during that stretch.

Claxton posted eight points (4-9 FG), 17 rebounds, one assist, one block and two steals across 39 minutes during Tuesday's 108-103 loss to the Knicks.

The 17 boards were a career high for Claxton, topping the 16 he recorded twice earlier this season, including a New Year's Eve contest against the Thunder. The fifth-year center has pulled down double-digit rebounds in eight of 10 games in January, averaging 13.9 points, 11.3 boards, 1.6 blocks, 1.5 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 67.4 percent from the floor during that stretch.

Sims registered six points (3-4 FG), four rebounds, two assists and four blocks in 27 minutes during Tuesday's 108-103 victory over Brooklyn.

With Isaiah Hartenstein (Achilles) sidelined, Sims made his first start since Dec. 18 and responded by setting a career high in rejections while playing a season-high 27 minutes. The 2021 second-round pick has had trouble cracking the Knicks' frontcourt rotation since Precious Achiuwa came over from Toronto in the OG Anunoby trade, but if Sims can start providing a consistent presence on defense, his workload should begin to increase again.

Turner recorded 22 points (8-18 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 6-7 FT), six rebounds, one assist and one steal across 37 minutes during Tuesday's 114-109 loss to Denver.

The 27-year-old center led the Pacers in scoring but couldn't do much to slow down Nikola Jokic, who poured in 31 for the Nuggets. Turner has scored in double digits in 20 straight games dating back to Dec. 16, averaging 17.9 points, 6.2 boards, 1.6 blocks, 1.4 threes and 1.3 assists over that stretch while shooting 54.8 percent from the floor.

Valanciunas produced 17 points (7-13 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 2-4 FT), 12 rebounds and three assists in 23 minutes during Tuesday's 153-124 win over Utah.

The Pelicans ran away with Tuesday's victory, and Valanciunas finished the game with his second consecutive double-double. He's posted double-doubles in six of his 11 appearances this month, averaging 12.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 23.0 minutes per game.

Jokic closed with 31 points (13-19 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 13 rebounds, 10 assists and one block across 37 minutes during Tuesday's 114-109 win over Indiana.

The triple-double was his 13th of the season, and the 118th of his career -- fourth on the all-time list behind Russell Westbrook (198), Oscar Robertson (181) and Magic Johnson (138). Jokic even helped out on the coaching side, twice lobbying for challenges on calls on which he was proven to be correct after the refs looked at the replay. The two-time MVP is averaging 27.8 points, 10.9 boards, 9.3 assists, 1.2 blocks, 1.1 steals and 0.9 threes over the last 10 games while shooting 70.9 percent from the floor and 56.3 percent (9-for-16) from beyond the arc.

Ayton closed Tuesday's 111-109 loss to the Thunder with five points (2-7 FG, 1-2 FT), seven rebounds and two assists over 27 minutes.

This was Ayton's second dud in a row as he was again held to single-digit points. He has looked a step slow since returning from his knee injury, posting averages of 7.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 0.7 blocks over his last three games. Meanwhile, Duop Reath continues to find a lot of success off the bench.

Fernando is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Warriors due to left lower back spasms.

Fernando isn't typically in the rotation and has averaged 7.2 minutes across five appearances in January. His potential absence shouldn't have an impact on fantasy.

Sims is in the starting lineup in Tuesday's game versus Brooklyn.

Sims will replace Isaiah Hartenstein (Achilles) in the starting five Tuesday. Sims is averaging 3.6 points and 2.8 rebounds in 15.4 minutes across his last five starting appearances.

Bol (foot) is out for Wednesday's game versus the Mavericks, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports.

Bol's absence streak will extend to six games Wednesday while dealing with right foot soreness. His next chance to suit up is Friday's matchup with Indiana.