NBA Player News

Phoenix recalled Maluach from the G League's Valley Suns on Sunday.

Maluach was assigned and recalled on the same day, as he joined the Valley Suns for Sunday's 111-107 loss to the Delaware Blue Coats. The rookie first-rounder recorded 10 points (4-14 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 1-4 FT), 14 rebounds and two blocks across 33 minutes against Delaware. Maluach has appeared in four of the parent club's last five games, averaging 0.5 points, 0.5 rebounds and 0.3 blocks across 2.8 minutes during that span.

Wembanyama closed with a team-high 25 points (7-13 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 11-15 FT), eight rebounds, two assists, five blocks and four steals over 28 minutes during Sunday's 112-103 victory over the Magic.

The nine combined blocks-plus-steals were Wembanyama's best defensive showing since Oct. 26, when he rang up six blocks and three steals against the Nets. After being eased into action in early January following his return from a knee injury, the third-year center appears to be getting close to his peak form. Wembanyama has recorded at least four blocks in four of the last five games, averaging 22.2 points, 12.4 boards, 3.8 blocks, 1.8 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 threes in 30.4 minutes despite shooting just 22.2 percent from three-point range during that span.

Jokic finished with 16 points (6-9 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 3-4 FT), seven rebounds, eight assists and one steal over 29 minutes during Sunday's 121-111 loss to the Thunder.

The Nuggets won't take any chances with Jokic as he works his way back from injury, so a lower total shouldn't come as a huge surprise while he operates under a minutes restriction. That being said, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein defended the All-Star effectively and kept his impact to a minimum. The Nuggets have a back-to-back set looming on the schedule this week, and it wouldn't be surprising to see Jokic take a seat for one of those games.

Duren supplied 21 points (8-12 FG, 5-6 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists and two steals over 24 minutes during Sunday's 130-77 win over the Nets.

Duren stayed hot against Brooklyn, recording his third straight 20-point double-double. The first time All-Star is averaging 18.0 points and 10.7 rebounds while scoring no fewer than 14 points in his last 10 games.

Allen recorded 40 points (16-23 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 8-12 FT), 17 rebounds, five assists, four blocks and two steals in 29 minutes during Sunday's 130-111 win over the Trail Blazers.

Allen got off to a fast start Sunday, logging 25 points and 10 rebounds in the first half. His dominance continued into the second half, ultimately culminating in a career-high 40 points. In addition to his scoring, Allen posted season highs in rebounds and blocks while matching his season high in assists. The 27-year-old big man had been putting up modest numbers before Sunday's outburst, averaging 11.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.3 steals in 26.3 minutes per game over his previous four outings. He had, however, scored in double figures in each of the last two games, seeing an expanded role with Evan Mobley (calf) sidelined. With Mobley still out, Allen figures to retain an elevated level of usage in the near term.

Zubac registered 14 points (5-5 FG, 4-9 FT), 20 rebounds, one assist and one block across 33 minutes during Sunday's 117-93 victory over the Suns.

Zubac was perfect from the field in Sunday's win and anchored the glass with a game-high, season-best 20 rebounds. The 28-year-old now sits at 24 double-doubles through 41 appearances this season. While matching the 59 double-doubles he posted in the 2024-25 regular season may be a tall task, Zubac has firmly established himself as a reliable and consistent presence on the boards.

Hartenstein will start Sunday's game against the Nuggets, Brandon Rahbar of DailyThunder.com reports.

Hartenstein came off the bench in his return from a 16-game absence Thursday, but he will return to the starting five Sunday. Hartenstein was effective in limited action in his return, totaling 11 points, five rebounds and two assists in 18 minutes. He figures to still see a limited number of minutes as he eases back into action.

Nurkic finished Sunday's 107-100 loss to Toronto with 11 points (3-11 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 4-7 FT), 13 rebounds, one assist, three blocks and one steal over 33 minutes.

It wasn't an efficient scoring night for Nurkic in his return after missing Friday's game due to an illness, but he managed to reach double digits and led the Jazz in rebounds en route to his 15th double-double of the season and a season-high three blocks. He has averaged 15.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 7.8 assists, 1.0 threes and 1.0 blocks over 29.8 minutes per game over his last six outings.

Jokic (knee) is available for Sunday's game against the Thunder, Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette reports.

Jokic was previously listed as probable while managing a left knee bone bruise and will suit up Sunday as expected. After missing 16 games due to his knee injury, the superstar returned Friday with a strong showing, totaling 31 points (8-11 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 13-17 FT), 12 rebounds, five assists and three steals across 25 minutes in a win over the Clippers.

Wembanyama (calf) is available for Sunday's game against the Magic, Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com reports.

Wembanyama carried a questionable tag due to left calf soreness but will suit up Sunday for the second leg of the Spurs' back-to-back. Over his past 10 outings, the 22-year-old star is averaging 24.0 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.1 blocks and 1.6 assists in 28.8 minutes per game.