NBA Player News

Nurkic ended with 13 points (6-9 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 1-3 FT), 17 rebounds, seven assists, one block and one steal across 28 minutes during Friday's 130-126 victory over the Grizzlies.

Nurkic was efficient with his shot, active on the glass and decisive as a passer, ending just three assists away from recording what would've been his first triple-double of the season. The 17 boards were a season-high mark for the veteran big man, and this was his sixth double-double of the season. Nurkic is firmly entrenched as the Jazz's starting center, and he figures to continue putting up solid numbers across the board as long as he sees regular playing time.

Bagley logged 15 points (6-10 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 13 rebounds and four assists across 33 minutes during Friday's 130-126 loss to the Cavaliers.

With Alex Sarr (thigh) sidelined, Bagley has started regularly since returning from a four-game absence Dec. 1, and he's finding ways to be productive. The lack of consistency on a game-to-game basis hurts him a bit, but Bagley has scored in double digits in three of his five outings in December. Over that stretch, he's averaging 12.2 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per contest.

Davis produced 24 points (10-21 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 4-5 FT), 14 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and three steals across 33 minutes during Friday's 119-111 victory over Brooklyn.

Davis turned in arguably his best two-way performance of the season, recording his third double-double in the past five games, adding six combined steals and blocks. While the injury concerns are not going anywhere, Davis has once again reminded everyone just what he is capable of when healthy. In five games over the past two weeks, Davis has put up top-20 value, averaging 20.8 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 2.0 blocks.

Okongwu provided 14 points (4-10 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 6-8 FT), three rebounds, three assists, four blocks and two steals over 28 minutes during Friday's 142-115 loss to the Pistons.

Okongwu had a mixed performance in a blowout loss to the Pistons, recording a season high in blocks and turnovers. The USC product leads the league with three games collecting at least two steals and three blocks in the same game. The big man has scored in double figures in all but three games this season and remains a steady source of points, rebounds, and stocks, especially when Kristaps Porzingis (illness) misses time.

Collins ended Friday's 129-126 win over the Hornets with 16 points (6-7 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), eight rebounds, two assists and one block across 20 minutes.

Collins had his best game of the season, falling two rebounds short of a double-double. With Nikola Vucevic struggling once again, Collins and Jalen Smith took it upon themselves to up the ante. While Collins does have a somewhat fantasy-friendly game, as long as Chicago is running a three-center rotation, it's hard to see either Collins or Smith having sustainable value. At this point, managers in standard leagues should simply monitor the situation.

Duren closed Friday's 142-115 victory over the Hawks with 14 points (6-10 FG, 2-4 FT), seven rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal in 24 minutes.

Duren notched his seventh game with at least two blocks in Friday's blowout win. The star big man also did not record a turnover for just the second game this season. The 22-year-old center is in the midst of a breakout season, averaging 18.8 points, 11.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.0 blocks across 29.2 minutes per game thus far.

Embiid delivered 39 points (12-23 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 13-18 FT), nine rebounds, three assists and a steal across 32 minutes in Friday's 115-105 win over the Pacers.

This 39-point output was Embiid's best scoring performance in a regular season since Jan. 22, 2024, when he scored 70 points. The 76ers have been very cautious with Embiid's health, and the five days off seem to have helped the star big man. He notched a season-high mark in minutes played, points and rebounds in this win.

Jackson-Davis (knee) is available for Friday's game against the Timberwolves.

The big man was listed as probable, so it's not surprising to see him available. Don't expect him to play a significant role in the rotation, although he should see minutes off the bench. Jackson-Davis has played more than 15 minutes in each of his last two outings, something that could very well happen again Friday due to the absences of Draymond Green (personal) and Al Horford (back).

Hartenstein (calf) is not on the injury report and will be available for Saturday's game against the Spurs.

Hartenstein will be available after a six-game absence due to a right soleus strain, and the big man should slot into the starting lineup right away. His return also means the Thunder will likely have their best starting lineup for the first time this season. Additionally, Hartenstein's return means Jaylin Williams should see a dip in minutes, while Jalen Williams should move to the three and Chet Holmgren will likely slide to the four.

Filipowski is not in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Grizzlies.

Filipowski will return to the bench after starting his last time out. The big man has been productive coming off the bench this season, averaging 9.6 points, 6.7 boards, 2.2 assists and 0.7 blocks per game when playing with the second unit.