NBA Player News

The NBA announced Tuesday that Thompson has been suspended 25 games for violating the league's Anti-Drug Program, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.

Thompson has been serving as the top backup to starting center Jarrett Allen of late, but he likely would have been at risk at dropping out of the rotation once Evan Mobley (knee) likely returns to action shortly before the All-Star break. With Mobley's return still likely a week or more away, however, the Cavaliers will presumably turn to Damian Jones to fill minutes at center when Allen is off the floor. Thompson is first eligible to return from suspension March 16 versus the Rockets.

Hartenstein (Achilles) remains listed as questionable but is considered unlikely to play Tuesday against Brooklyn, Fred Katz of The Athletic reports.

Hartenstein appears on track to miss his first game of the season after exiting Saturday's 126-100 win over the Raptors with an injury that the Knicks are labeling as left Achilles tendinopathy. Assuming Hartenstein is ruled out ahead of the 7:30 p.m. ET opening tip, Jericho Sims is expected to slot in as the starting center, though Precious Achiuwa had been running as Hartenstein's primary backup of late and could end up seeing the larger share of minutes. After Hartenstein's early departure Saturday, Achiuwa stepped in to post 18 points, 11 rebounds and one block in 25 minutes.

Embiid ended Monday's 133-123 win over San Antonio with 70 points (24-41 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 21-23 FT), 18 rebounds, five assists, one block and one steal in 37 minutes.

The 70 points were not only a new career high for Embiid, they also set a new 76ers record, topping the 68 points scored by Wilt Chamberlain in 1967. The 29-year-old center has scored at least 30 points in 21 straight games dating back to Nov. 17, averaging 38.3 points, 11.6 boards, 5.9 assists, 2.0 blocks, 1.3 steals and 1.2 threes over that stretch as he pushes for his second straight MVP Award.

Lopez finished Monday's 122-113 win over Detroit with 15 points (6-9 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 11 rebounds, three assists and four blocks in 35 minutes.

Lopez recorded a team-best blocks total while ending second on the team in rebounds and as one of five Bucks players with a double-digit point total in a double-double outing. Lopez has hauled in 10 or more rebounds in three games this year, including back-to-back contests. Those two straight double-digit rebound performances have also ended in a double-double, his only two double-doubles of the year thus far.

Duren logged 12 points (5-14 FG, 2-2 FT), 12 rebounds, one assist and one block across 33 minutes during Monday's 122-113 loss to the Bucks.

Duren led all Pistons in rebounds while ending as one of five players with a double-digit point total to finish as the lone player with a double-double in a losing effort. Duren has posted a double-double in 21 games this season, including in 13 of his last 15 appearances.

Capela chipped in 11 points (4-10 FG, 3-4 FT), 12 rebounds, one assist and two blocks in 22 minutes during Monday's 122-107 loss to the Kings.

Capela had a productive night despite logging seven fewer minutes than Onyeka Okongwu, who had nine rebounds of his own. The veteran is less likely to explode for a big night with Okongwu in the second unit, and the platoon situation caps the fantasy value of both players.

Sabonis contributed 14 points (4-10 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 6-6 FT), 21 rebounds, six assists and two steals in 38 minutes during Monday's 122-107 victory over the Hawks.

Sabonis' result tied Oscar Robertson for the second-longest double-double streak in franchise history. He needs only five more to break the record, also owned by Robertson. The center ranks first in the league with 38 double-doubles ahead of Nikola Jokic and Anthony Davis, who are both hot on Sabonis' heels.

Kornet notched two points (1-3 FG), five rebounds, one assist and one block in 19 minutes during Monday's 119-110 victory over the Mavericks.

Kornet played a meaningful role for the second straight game but was unable to repeat his performance from Sunday. With Kristaps Porzingis (knee) given the night off, Kornet slid into the backup center role behind the returning Al Horford. Despite his struggles, Kornet remains a name to watch should either Prozingis or Horford miss time moving forward.

Towns accumulated 62 points (21-35 FG, 10-15 3Pt, 10-14 FT), eight rebounds and two assists over 38 minutes during Monday's 128-125 loss to the Hornets.

Towns was red hot despite the loss, scoring 44 of his career-high 62 points in the first half. He went 10-for-15 from the perimeter, also a career-high mark. While this was a statement performance for Towns, it was a terrible loss for the Timberwolves. They will look to get back on track in what should be another favorable matchup against the Wizards on Wednesday.

Mensah ended Monday's 128-125 win over the Timberwolves with two points (1-1 FG), three rebounds and one assist over 15 minutes.

Mensah continues to play as the backup center, logging at least 15 minutes for the third consecutive game. While it has been nice to see him getting a crack at the big time, the fact he is still playing limited minutes even though the team is without its two primary center options, Nick Richards (ankle) and Mark Williams (back), does not bode well for Mensah's short-term future.