NBA Player News
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Nikola Jokic C | DEN
Nuggets' Nikola Jokic: Logs third straight triple-double
Jokic had 22 points (6-11 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 10-12 FT), 14 rebounds, 11 assists, one block and two steals over 33 minutes during Monday's 119-117 loss to Cleveland.
Jokic is still playing through a recent ankle injury, but he's still averaging 24.2 points, 12.7 rebounds and 9.2 assists since returning from a 17-game absence due to a knee issue. The All-Star lacks the support of Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Peyton Watson (hamstring) for at least a few more weeks, requiring Jokic to carry a heavy load in the frontcourt.
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Jarrett Allen C | CLE
Cavaliers' Jarrett Allen: Logs 22/13 double-double
Allen ended with 22 points (10-16 FG, 2-4 FT), 13 rebounds and one assist over 35 minutes during Monday's 119-117 victory over the Nuggets.
Allen faced down Nikola Jokic and put together a solid number, although the former MVP was able to hang a triple-double in a losing effort. Evan Mobley (calf) could return before the All-Star break, but his minutes would likely be restricted. In either case, Allen will be set up for success during the upcoming matchup against the Wizards on Wednesday.
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Quinten Post C | GS
Warriors' Quinten Post: Muted role continues
Post notched two assists in five minutes during Monday's 114-113 win over the Grizzlies.
Post saw no more than six minutes for the third straight game, during which time he has failed to score a point. With Al Horford playing his best basketball of the season, Post has been relegated to the third-string center, affording him very little in the way of opportunities. For now, he can be safely ignored in all standard formats.
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Al Horford C | GS
Warriors' Al Horford: Vintage performance Monday
Horford racked up 16 points (7-12 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 1-1 FT), nine rebounds, six assists and one steal over 26 minutes during Monday's 114-113 victory over Memphis.
Horford turned back the clock, falling one rebound short of a double-double, while also adding six assists. He has now scored double digits in four of the past five games, playing a meaningful role, be it off the bench or as a member of the starting unit. In six appearances over the past two weeks, the veteran has averaged 10.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.2 three-pointers in 24.0 minutes per game.
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Nikola Jokic C | DEN
Nuggets' Nikola Jokic: Collects another triple-double
Jokic contributed 22 points (6-11 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 10-12 FT), 14 rebounds, 11 assists, one block and two steals in 33 minutes during Monday's 119-117 loss to Cleveland.
Jokic posted yet another strong all-around performance, resulting in his third consecutive triple-double. The big man hasn't needed much time to acclimate after putting a 16-game absence behind him due to a left knee bone bruise, as he's averaging 24.2 points, 12.7 rebounds, 9.2 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks since his return Jan. 30.
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Rudy Gobert C | MIN
Timberwolves' Rudy Gobert: Perfect from field
Gobert produced 18 points (7-7 FG, 4-9 FT), six rebounds, one assist and one block in 33 minutes during Monday's 138-116 victory over the Hawks.
Gobert was flawless from the field Monday, delivering a strong scoring contribution in a lopsided win. It marked the big man's highest scoring output since Jan. 4, as he entered the contest averaging 9.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, 1.2 assists and 1.2 steals over the previous five games. Free-throw shooting remains an issue, though, as Gobert's efficiency at the charity stripe has dipped below 50.0 percent this season after finishing at 67.4 percent last year.
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Nicolas Claxton C | BKN
Nets' Nic Claxton: Season-high 28 points
Claxton provided 28 points (12-15 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 3-6 FT), 10 rebounds, four assists and one steal across 32 minutes during Monday's 123-115 victory over the Bulls.
Claxton took advantage of the fact that Chicago is without a proven NBA center, scoring a season-high 28 points, while also recording his first double-double in his past 22 appearances. Despite a consistent role, Claxton's overall value has taken a hit of late, thanks largely to his defensive contributions being less than adequate. In fact, he has now failed to record a single block in five straight games. He remains a must-roster player, albeit one with a slightly limited ceiling.
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Nick Richards C | CHI
Bulls' Nick Richards: Impresses in loss
Richards had 12 points (4-7 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 4-6 FT), six rebounds, one assist, two blocks and two steals in 26 minutes during Monday's 123-115 loss to the Nets.
Richards was productive for the second straight game, continuing what has been a strong start to his career in Chicago. With Jalen Smith sidelined due to a calf injury, Richards has assumed the role of backup center behind Guerschon Yabusele. In two games since landing with the Bulls, Richards has averaged 13.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.5 combined steals and blocks in 22.5 minutes per contest. He is worth considering for streaming purposes, at least until Smith is cleared to return.
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Maxime Raynaud C | SAC
Kings' Maxime Raynaud: Rolls to career night
Raynaud produced 21 points (8-14 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 19 rebounds, one assist and one steal in 38 minutes during Monday's 120-94 loss to the Pelicans.
Raynaud was one of the lone bright spots for the Kings in a blowout loss, as he posted his best scoring night since Dec. 18 while logging just his second double-double since Jan. 1. The big man took full advantage of the absence of Domantas Sabonis (back), with Raynaud's 38 minutes being a career high. He's been heavily involved recently even when Sabonis has been on the court, so look for Sacramento to continue prioritizing the young center's development heading into the All-Star break and beyond.
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Naz Reid C | MIN
Timberwolves' Naz Reid: Tossed during fourth quarter
Reid was ejected from Monday's game against the Hawks after being assessed a double technical foul, Chris Hine of the Minnesota Star Tribune reports. He registered seven points (3-8 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 1-2 FT), six rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block in 21 minutes prior to departing.
Reid and Mouhamed Gueye got involved in a skirmish to start the fourth quarter, and the officiating crew made the decision to toss both involved parties. Julian Phillips could pick up some extra minutes down the stretch with Reid unavailable.