NBA Player News

Okongwu finished Friday's 128-97 loss to Miami with 22 points (8-12 FG, 4-5 3Pt, 2-4 FT), three rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal across 29 minutes.

After scoring just eight points on 4-of-9 shooting from the field in Thursday's win over Philadelphia, Okongwu bounced back on the offensive end Friday. The sixth-year center led Atlanta in points, reaching the 20-point mark for the first time since Jan. 23 and for the 17th time this season. Additionally, he knocked down an efficient four three-pointers and has hit multiple triples in all but one of his last nine outings. He also racked up multiple blocks for the third time in his last five appearances, though he has been less effective on the glass of late, finishing with fewer than four rebounds in two of his last three showings.

Kalkbrenner registered 12 points (5-7 FG, 2-2 FT), 13 rebounds, one assist and one block over 36 minutes during the Hornets' 118-113 loss to the Cavaliers on Friday.

The rookie second-rounder finished as the Hornets' leading rebounder (including a career-high nine offensive boards) en route to the third double-double of the season (and first since Nov. 3 against the Pelicans). Kalkbrenner has started in each of the Hornets' last three games and should serve in that role against the Wizards on Sunday, though he'll likely revert to a bench role against the Bulls on Tuesday since Moussa Diabate will have served his four-game suspension.

Allen logged 26 points (11-15 FG, 4-5 FT), 14 rebounds, two assists and one block over 32 minutes during the Cavaliers' 118-113 win over the Hornets on Friday.

It was another dominant performance from Allen, who grabbed seven of his game-high 14 rebounds on the offensive glass while finishing as the Cavaliers' second-leading scorer behind Donovan Mitchell (32 points). Allen is up to 15 double-doubles on the season, six of which have come over his last seven outings. Over that seven-game span, the veteran center has averaged 23.3 points, 12.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.4 blocks over 29.0 minutes per game.

Hayes will come off the bench for Friday's game against the Clippers, Dan Woike of The Athletic reports.

Deandre Ayton (knee) is back and starting after a two-game layoff, so Hayes will return to a reserve role. As a member of the second unit this season, Hayes owns averages of 6.0 points and 3.8 rebounds per contest.

Ware is not in the Heat's starting lineup against the Hawks on Friday.

Ware started in each of the Heat's last two games before the All-Star break and recorded a double-double against the Pelicans on Feb. 11. However, the second-year center will retreat to the bench for Friday's contest after Andrew Wiggins (toe) was cleared to play.

Lovering is in the starting lineup for Friday's matchup with the Jazz.

This will be just the second game of the season for Lovering, who is getting the start with Santi Aldama (knee) unavailable. Joining Lovering in the starting five for Friday's game will be Jaylen Wells, GG Jackson, Jahmai Mashack and Taylor Hendricks.

Gafford (ankle) is available for Friday's game in Minnesota.

Gafford will push through the pain and make himself available for Friday's game, so make sure you've got him active. Through five February outings, Gafford has recorded averages of 8.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 2.0 blocks per game.

Plumlee (reconditioning) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Kings.

Plumlee underwent right groin surgery in late December but is currently ramping up toward a return to game action. The veteran big man signed a 10-day contract with San Antonio on Tuesday, and his next opportunity to make his Spurs debut will come Monday against Detroit.

Embiid (knee/shin) won't play Saturday in New Orleans.

Embiid is set to miss his fourth consecutive game, and for now, he should be considered highly questionable for Sunday's game in Minnesota. Adem Bona and Andre Drummond will continue to split the five-man minutes in Embiid's absence.

Post (coach's decision) went unused off the bench Thursday in the Warriors' 121-110 loss to the Celtics.

After Post received single-digit minutes in three of his final four appearances before the All-Star break, the writing appeared to be on the wall for him to lose his rotation spot. The return of Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles) to action Thursday in what was his Warriors debut proved to be the final nail in the coffin for Post, who picked up his first DNP-CD of the season. So long as the Warriors have all of Al Horford, Draymond Green and Porzingis available in the frontcourt for a given game, Post looks like he'll face an uphill battle to find minutes.