NBA Player News
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Nikola Jokic C | DEN
Nuggets' Nikola Jokic: Low shot volume in narrow win
Jokic accumulated 22 points (6-11 FG, 10-11 FT), 12 rebounds, five assists and two blocks in 36 minutes during Monday's 128-125 win over Utah.
Jokic's double-double lacked its usual pop, but 11 appearances at the charity stripe and a high rebound total helped to buoy his bottom line. He ceded most of the heavy lifting to Jamal Murray, who kept making shots to keep ahead of the shorthanded Jazz. The Nuggets take on the Lakers next, and it will be Jokic's first appearance against them after an injury sidelined him in their only other meeting this season.
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Clint Capela C | HOU
Rockets' Clint Capela: Minimal impact in win
Capela finished Monday's 123-118 victory over the Wizards with four points (1-3 FG, 2-2 FT), eight rebounds and one assist over 11 minutes.
Capela continues to do the bare minimum with his time on the floor, averaging just 3.3 points and 4.1 rebounds in 12.0 minutes per game in seven appearances over the past two weeks. Houston is very thin when it comes to the center spot, as Capela struggling to hold his own, even against the opposition's second unit.
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Alperen Sengun C | HOU
Rockets' Alperen Sengun: Goes for 32-and-12
Sengun finished with 32 points (12-20 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 8-11 FT), 12 rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal over 38 minutes during Monday's 123-118 win over Washington.
Sengun took advantage of an undermanned frontcourt, scoring at least 30 points for the first time in his past 12 games. While he was able to score at will against the likes of Julian Reese and Will Riley, Sengun's eight turnovers cannot be overlooked. For those in nine-category formats, rostering a center who averages 3.2 turnovers per game has to be factored in when evaluating his overall value.
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Al Horford C | GS
Warriors' Al Horford: Back with starters
Horford is in the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Clippers, Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.
Horford will return to the first unit Monday after coming off the bench Saturday against the Lakers. Gui Santos will be deployed off the bench in a corresponding move. Horford has scored in double figures in each of his previous four chances as a starter.
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Jonas Valanciunas C | DEN
Nuggets' Jonas Valanciunas: Drawing rare start
Valanciunas is starting Monday's game against the Jazz.
Valanciunas will draw his first start since Jan. 29 due to the absences of Cameron Johnson (ankle) and Spencer Jones (shoulder). Valanciunas is averaging 15.3 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.0 blocks in his previous four starts.
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Khaman Maluach C | PHO
Suns' Khaman Maluach: Dealing with thumb injury
Maluach is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Kings due to a right thumb sprain.
Maluach likely picked up the injury during his appearance Saturday with the G League's Valley Suns. The Duke product has since rejoined the parent club, but even if he's able to play through the thumb issue Tuesday, he's unlikely to be included in the rotation.
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Nikola Vucevic C | BOS
Celtics' Nikola Vucevic: Slated to start Monday
Vucevic is in the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Bucks, Sean Grande of NBC Sports Boston reports.
With Neemias Queta resting, Vucevic will make his first start as a member of the Celtics. Through nine games with Boston, the big man is averaging 12.0 points and 8.6 rebounds while shooting 47.7 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from beyond the arc in 23.8 minutes per contest. Luka Garza and Amari Williams will provide center depth behind Vucevic for Monday's contest.
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Branden Carlson C | OKC
Thunder's Branden Carlson: Won't play Tuesday
Carlson (back) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Bulls.
Carlson will miss a third consecutive game due to a lower-back strain that flared up and forced him to exit early against the Pistons on Feb. 25. The Utah product is averaging 10.7 minutes per contest across 35 appearances with the Thunder this season, so his absence shouldn't significantly impact the rotation. The center's next chance to play will come Wednesday against the Knicks.
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Isaiah Hartenstein C | OKC
Thunder's Isaiah Hartenstein: Sitting out Tuesday
Hartenstein (calf) won't play in Tuesday's game against the Bulls, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports.
MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) is also getting Tuesday night off for injury management, as it appears the Thunder have their sights set toward being close to full strength for Wednesday's showdown versus the Knicks in New York instead. Jaylin Williams is an option for a spot start at center Tuesday, with Alex Caruso and Aaron Wiggins also in the mix to get more involved.
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Santi Aldama C | MEM
Grizzlies' Santi Aldama: Questionable for Tuesday
Aldama is questionable for Tuesday's game against Minnesota due to right knee injury management.
The questionable tag is certainly a step in the right direction for Aldama, who is aiming to return from a 10-game absence Tuesday. If the 2021 first-rounder is finally able to suit up, his return would likely put a slight damper on the recent rise streaming in streaming appeal for Taylor Hendricks and Olivier-Maxence Prosper.