NBA Player News
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Joel Embiid C | PHI
76ers' Joel Embiid: Back on injury report
Embiid is questionable for Friday's game against the Nets due to left knee injury management, Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com reports.
After posting 35 points (10-21 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 14-14 FT), 11 rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block in 35 minutes during Wednesday's loss to the Grizzlies, Embiid was left off the 76ers' initial injury report for Friday's game, which was released Thursday afternoon. However, the big man was added to the report Friday morning and is now in jeopardy of missing his 11th game of the season. If he's sidelined, Andre Drummond would likely slide back into the starting lineup again, while Guerschon Yabusele could see increased usage off the bench.
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Anthony Davis C | LAL
Lakers' Anthony Davis: Falters in final minute
Davis ended Thursday's 119-118 loss to the Magic with 39 points (14-22 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 10-13 FT), nine rebounds, two assists and three blocks in 38 minutes.
Although Davis enjoyed a monstrous stat line, he missed two crucial free throws and a jumper in the final minute, sealing the Lakers' fate. The loss broke an eight-game home winning streak, and Davis has been the top producer for his squad. Over 14 games, he's averaged 31.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.9 blocks and 1.2 steals.
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Goga Bitadze C | ORL
Magic's Goga Bitadze: Grabs 15 boards in win
Bitadze recorded seven points (3-4 FG, 1-1 FT), 15 rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal over 30 minutes during Thursday's 119-118 victory over the Lakers.
Bitadze has proven to be a capable placeholder for Wendell Carter (foot), with an average of 9.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.6 blocked shots over 10 games as a starter. It's unclear when Carter will be cleared to play again, so Bitadze should continue to reap the benefits of an increased role.
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Chris Boucher C | TOR
Raptors' Chris Boucher: Leads from three off bench in win
Boucher provided 22 points (7-13 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 5-8 FT), four rebounds, one block and two steals over 26 minutes during Thursday's 110-105 victory over the Timberwolves.
Boucher put together one of his best outings of the season Thursday, coming off the bench and leading all Raptors players in threes made while surpassing the 20-point mark in a winning effort. Boucher has connected on at least three threes in four outings this season, now having reached 20 or more points in two contests.
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Naz Reid C | MIN
Timberwolves' Naz Reid: Hurts knee late Thursday
Reid appeared to suffer a left knee injury late in the fourth quarter of Thursday's 110-105 loss to the Raptors, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports. He finished with two points (1-8 FG, 0-3 3Pt), four rebounds, one assist and one block in 22 minutes.
Reid went down on the court in pain after he banged knees with the Raptors' Scottie Barnes while the two were pursuing a loose ball with 11 seconds remaining in the game. After being charged with a foul on the play, Reid checked out of the contest and was able to walk to the bench under his own power. The Timberwolves are off until Sunday in Boston, but it wouldn't be surprising if Reid was listed on the team's next injury report, which will be released Saturday.
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Charles Bassey C | SA
Spurs' Charles Bassey: Swats six shots Thursday
Bassey racked up 11 points (5-9 FG, 1-2 FT), nine rebounds, one assist, six blocks and one steal in 27 minutes during Thursday's 126-118 victory over the Jazz.
Bassey was efficient as a scorer and aggressive on the glass, but there's no doubt that he made his biggest impact as a rim protector. The six blocks were a career-high mark for the big man, who might continue to enjoy extra minutes off the bench as long as Victor Wembanyama (knee) remains sidelined.
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John Collins C | UTA
Jazz's John Collins: Records double-double
Collins finished Thursday's 126-118 loss to the Spurs with 18 points (8-14 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 1-1 FT), 14 rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal across 33 minutes.
Lauri Markkanen led the way for the Jazz in scoring Thursday, but Collins was one of four Utah players who also finished with at least 18 points, alongside Collin Sexton, Brice Sensabaugh and Keyonte George. Collins has been very productive since being promoted to a starting role in the absence of Walker Kessler (hip), and he's recorded four double-doubles in 10 outings this month. He's averaging 20.3 points and 9.5 boards per contest in six starts.
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Kyle Filipowski C | UTA
Jazz's Kyle Filipowski: Exits with ankle sprain
Filipowski has been ruled out for the rest of Thursday's game against the Spurs due to a right ankle sprain, Sarah Todd of The Deseret News reports. He recorded four points (1-6 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), nine rebounds and one assist over 18 minutes before exiting.
Filipowski went to the locker room during the third quarter and was later ruled out for the final 12 minutes of play. Expect Brice Sensabaugh and Drew Eubanks to pick up additional minutes down the stretch in Filipowski's absence.
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Wendell Carter Jr. C | ORL
Magic's Wendell Carter: Out vs. Lakers
Carter (foot) won't play Thursday against the Lakers.
Carter continues to miss time while on the mend from left foot plantar fasciitis, but he had been listed as questionable leading up to Thursday's contest and looks to be on the cusp of returning to action. His next chance to play will come Saturday against Detroit.
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Anthony Davis C | LAL
Lakers' Anthony Davis: Will play vs. Orlando
Davis (foot) has been cleared to play Thursday against the Magic, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
Davis was tagged as probable leading up to Thursday's matchup, and he's since been given the green light to suit up. The big man is averaging an impressive 28.0 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.6 blocks over his last five appearances.