NBA Player News

Cardwell closed Monday's 120-94 loss to the Pelicans with six points (3-5 FG), 11 rebounds, one assist, two blocks and two steals in 32 minutes off the bench.

The Kings were down by 15 at halftime and gave younger players like Caldwell plenty of run in the rout. The undrafted rookie center responded to the big workload by pulling down double-digit rebounds for a fourth straight game, a stretch in which he's averaging 9.3 points, 11.8 boards, 1.8 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.0 steals in 28.5 minutes. Domantas Sabonis (back) has been on the shelf for three of those contests, but even once he's healthy, Sacramento seems likely to prioritize the development of youngsters like Caldwell given the team's league-worst 12-43 record.

Clingan contributed 15 points (6-10 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 0-2 FT), seven rebounds, three assists and four blocks across 28 minutes during Monday's 135-118 win over the 76ers.

Clingan enjoyed an efficient night against the Sixers, who had to manage without Joel Embiid (rest). Embiid's absence created an exploitable opportunity for Clingan, who was able to keep Andre Drummond under wraps. Clingan failed to hit the double-double milestone after reaching it three consecutive times, but the second-year pro has several to his credit. He currently ranks 13th in the league with 20 double-doubles.

Hartenstein racked up 10 points (4-8 FG, 2-4 FT), nine rebounds, six assists and three steals in 22 minutes during Monday's 119-110 win over the Lakers.

Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren did an excellent job propping up the frontcourt against the Lakers. The veteran's numbers have been pedestrian since his return to action, averaging only 8.2 points and 7.4 rebounds over five games. Interestingly, the big man saw a sharp increase in assists after the return. His five-game average of 6.0 assists is well above his usual results in the category.

Jokic had 22 points (6-11 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 10-12 FT), 14 rebounds, 11 assists, one block and two steals over 33 minutes during Monday's 119-117 loss to Cleveland.

Jokic is still playing through a recent ankle injury, but he's still averaging 24.2 points, 12.7 rebounds and 9.2 assists since returning from a 17-game absence due to a knee issue. The All-Star lacks the support of Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Peyton Watson (hamstring) for at least a few more weeks, requiring Jokic to carry a heavy load in the frontcourt.

Allen ended with 22 points (10-16 FG, 2-4 FT), 13 rebounds and one assist over 35 minutes during Monday's 119-117 victory over the Nuggets.

Allen faced down Nikola Jokic and put together a solid number, although the former MVP was able to hang a triple-double in a losing effort. Evan Mobley (calf) could return before the All-Star break, but his minutes would likely be restricted. In either case, Allen will be set up for success during the upcoming matchup against the Wizards on Wednesday.

Post notched two assists in five minutes during Monday's 114-113 win over the Grizzlies.

Post saw no more than six minutes for the third straight game, during which time he has failed to score a point. With Al Horford playing his best basketball of the season, Post has been relegated to the third-string center, affording him very little in the way of opportunities. For now, he can be safely ignored in all standard formats.

Horford racked up 16 points (7-12 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 1-1 FT), nine rebounds, six assists and one steal over 26 minutes during Monday's 114-113 victory over Memphis.

Horford turned back the clock, falling one rebound short of a double-double, while also adding six assists. He has now scored double digits in four of the past five games, playing a meaningful role, be it off the bench or as a member of the starting unit. In six appearances over the past two weeks, the veteran has averaged 10.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.2 three-pointers in 24.0 minutes per game.

Jokic contributed 22 points (6-11 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 10-12 FT), 14 rebounds, 11 assists, one block and two steals in 33 minutes during Monday's 119-117 loss to Cleveland.

Jokic posted yet another strong all-around performance, resulting in his third consecutive triple-double. The big man hasn't needed much time to acclimate after putting a 16-game absence behind him due to a left knee bone bruise, as he's averaging 24.2 points, 12.7 rebounds, 9.2 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks since his return Jan. 30.

Gobert produced 18 points (7-7 FG, 4-9 FT), six rebounds, one assist and one block in 33 minutes during Monday's 138-116 victory over the Hawks.

Gobert was flawless from the field Monday, delivering a strong scoring contribution in a lopsided win. It marked the big man's highest scoring output since Jan. 4, as he entered the contest averaging 9.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, 1.2 assists and 1.2 steals over the previous five games. Free-throw shooting remains an issue, though, as Gobert's efficiency at the charity stripe has dipped below 50.0 percent this season after finishing at 67.4 percent last year.

Claxton provided 28 points (12-15 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 3-6 FT), 10 rebounds, four assists and one steal across 32 minutes during Monday's 123-115 victory over the Bulls.

Claxton took advantage of the fact that Chicago is without a proven NBA center, scoring a season-high 28 points, while also recording his first double-double in his past 22 appearances. Despite a consistent role, Claxton's overall value has taken a hit of late, thanks largely to his defensive contributions being less than adequate. In fact, he has now failed to record a single block in five straight games. He remains a must-roster player, albeit one with a slightly limited ceiling.