NBA Player News

Hayes had eight points (4-4 FG, 0-1 FT), six rebounds, two assists and two blocks in 21 minutes during Sunday's 133-121 victory over the Pelicans.

Deandre Ayton (knee) was well on his way to an outstanding stat line before a knee injury forced him out, and Hayes continued the assault on New Orleans' withering interior in Ayton's place. Hayes' numbers off the bench have been nothing special, but Ayton's heavy load and superb play are the cause of the low numbers. Ayton's injury appears to be minor, but a start could be in store for Hayes if Ayton is sidelined.

Ayton exited Sunday's game against the Pelicans and did not return due to right knee soreness, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

Ayton appeared to be favoring his right knee, which is the same knee he has been experiencing discomfort in over the last week, before taking himself out of the game. The Lakers were sporting a comfortable lead, so it remains unclear if Ayton would have been able to return to the game had it been competitive. If he is forced to miss time, Jaxson Hayes figures to see an expanded role.

Edey totaled 32 points (16-20 FG, 0-1 FT), 17 rebounds and five blocks in 29 minutes during Sunday's 115-107 win over the Kings.

Edey played the best game of his young career Sunday, racking up career highs in scoring and blocks. Edey also continued his dominant play on the glass, grabbing a game-high 17 boards and extending his streak of games with at least 15 rebounds to three. Over those three games, he is averaging 19.3 points, 17.0 rebounds and 3.3 blocks in 32 minutes per contest.

Tillman posted nine points (4-9 FG, 1-5 3Pt), six rebounds, one block and three steals over 30 minutes during Sunday's 117-115 win over the Cavaliers.

In his first appearance since the Nov. 18 win over the Nets, Tillman filled in for the injured Neemias Queta (ankle) with a serviceable effort in the starting lineup. Tillman hadn't even reached the 20-minute threshold in any of his first eight games of the year, so it's hard to imagine he'll hang onto much fantasy relevance once Queta is healthy. The three steals were a season high for Tillman on Sunday, though.

Towns finished Sunday's 116-94 win over the Raptors with 22 points (8-15 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 5-7 FT), eight rebounds and two assists over 31 minutes.

It was a balanced scoring attack for the Knicks on Sunday, with six players scoring 13 points or more. Towns led the charge in the scoring department despite hitting just one three-pointer, and he finished third on the team in rebounds behind Mitchell Robinson (15) and Josh Hart (12). Since Nov. 2, Towns has averaged 23.0 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.8 threes and 0.9 steals over 33.4 minutes per game.

Drummond left Sunday's game against the Hawks early and did not return due to right knee soreness, Tony Jones of The Athletic reports.

Drummond came into Sunday's game dealing with a right knee contusion, and head coach Nick Nurse said postgame that soreness reemerged in the knee, causing Drummond to be ruled out for the second half of the game. Drummond concludes the contest with two points (1-1 FG) and one rebound in five minutes. If he is forced to miss time, Adem Bona could see an increased role.

Adams closed with 13 points (2-4 FG, 9-10 FT), 12 rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal over 17 minutes off the bench during Sunday's 129-101 victory over Utah.

After sitting out Wednesday's win over the Warriors due to a minor ankle injury, Adams was back in the lineup. However, he remained with the second unit, as the Rockets take a longer look at Reed Sheppard in the starting five. The veteran center's double-double was his third of the season in 15 games, and with Houston having won three straight road games with Sheppard as a starter, Adams could continue coming off the bench for a while.

Sengun logged 27 points (10-15 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 7-9 FT), four rebounds, five assists and one steal in 28 minutes during Sunday's 129-101 win over Utah.

After three straight games of scoring in the teens, Sengun bounced back by leading the Rockets in scoring in the afternoon contest. The fifth-year center continues to shine with increased distribution duties -- he's dished at least five assists in every game this season, and through 13 games in November, he averaged 21.8 points, 9.5 boards, 6.8 assists, 0.8 threes, 0.8 blocks and 0.8 steals.

Missi is in the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Lakers, Thuc Nhi Nguyen of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Missi will get the start with Zion Williamson (hamstring) unavailable, and he'll be joined in the first unit by Jeremiah Fears, Bryce McGowens, Saddiq Bey and Derik Queen. Over five starts this season, Missi has compiled averages of 7.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.0 blocks per game.

Williams (calf) is not listed on the injury report ahead of Monday's game against the Lakers.

Williams missed Saturday's game against the Nuggets due to right calf soreness, but he will return to the lineup Monday. Over his last five appearances, Williams is averaging 16.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.4 steals in 25.4 minutes per contest.