NBA Player News

Claxton closed with 11 points (5-13 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 1-1 FT), 10 rebounds, two blocks and three steals across 33 minutes during Friday's 96-87 loss to the Spurs.

Claxton didn't have his best shooting performance, as evidenced by the fact he ended with more field-goal attempts than points scored, but he still did enough to secure a double-double. This was his first double-double since Dec. 8 and the fifth time he accomplished this feat in the 2024-25 campaign. Claxton remains valuable in most fantasy formats due to his two-way upside, but his numbers are down compared to what he accomplished in 2023-24.

Theis provided 11 points (3-5 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 5-5 FT), 11 rebounds, six assists, one block and one steal in 21 minutes during Friday's 132-124 loss to the Grizzlies.

Theis recorded his first double-double of the season, logging a few extra minutes after Yves Missi was forced to the locker room for a brief period of time. After starting the first five games of the season, Theis has seen his role reduce over the course of the campaign. Over the past month, he has averaged just 3.6 points and 4.2 rebounds in 14.5 minutes per game. Based on what we have seen recently, this performance should be viewed as nothing more than an outlier.

Huff (ankle) recorded seven points (2-4 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and two rebounds in 13 minutes during Friday's 132-124 victory over the Pelicans.

Huff returned from a four-game absence due to a left ankle sprain, playing a limited role off the bench. Despite a hot start to the season which prompted the Grizzlies to upgrade him from his two-way deal, Huff has struggled to carve out consistent playing time at center behind Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke. Huff's role could continue to be muted so long as Edey and Clarke are both healthy.

Wembanyama recorded 19 points (7-14 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), seven rebounds, four assists and six blocks over 35 minutes during Friday's 96-87 victory over the Nets.

Wembanyama couldn't repeat the 42-point performance he delivered in the loss to the Knicks on Christmas, but he was one of the top players for the Spurs due to his outstanding two-way contributions. This was just the second game in December in which he couldn't reach the 20-point mark, but fantasy managers won't be worried if the Frenchman has an off night or two considering all the other things he brings to the table. Wembanyama is also on an impressive stretch of six consecutive appearances with four or more blocks.

Clarke finished Friday's 132-124 victory over the Pelicans with three points (0-1 FG, 3-4 FT), four rebounds, two blocks and two steals across 19 minutes.

Clarke continued his role off the bench, with Zach Edey now locked in as the starting center. Although he was nearly non-existent when it came to scoring the basketball, Clarke managed to record four defensive stats. He could struggle to play more than 20 minutes per game moving forward, which could limit his production, especially on the offensive end of the floor.

Nurkic was ejected in the third quarter of Friday's game against the Mavericks after getting into an altercation with Naji Marshall, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports. Nurkic ended the game with three points (1-4 FG, 1-1 3Pt), five rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block across 14 minutes.

Marshall and Nurkic exchanged words after the Suns' big man was assessed with an offensive foul, and the two had to be separated after throwing punches at each other. P.J. Washington was also ejected on the same sequence after he got into the argument and pushed Nurkic to the hardwood. The absence of Nurkic will translate into more minutes for the likes of Oso Ighodaro and Mason Plumlee, although Kevin Durant could also slide to the five in an attempt to play with a small-ball lineup.

Williams (ankle) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Mavericks.

Williams has been sidelined for the Blazers' last two games due to a right ankle sprain. Deni Avdija and Kris Murray have each seen their minutes increase over the past two games due to the absences of Williams and Dalano Banton (hip).

Hayes (ankle) is questionable to play Saturday against the Kings.

Hayes took part in practice Friday, and while that's an encouraging sign, the questionable tag suggests a decision on the big man's status will be made closer to Saturday's 10:30 p.m. ET tipoff. Hayes hasn't played since Nov. 26, meaning he's missed the Lakers' last 13 contests.

Wembanyama (face) is on the floor for the start of the fourth quarter of Friday's game against the Nets, Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News reports.

Wembanyama briefly went to the locker room in the third quarter after taking an inadvertent shot to the chin from Jalen Wilson. Wembanyama returned the bench near the end of the frame and is back on the floor for the fourth quarter.

Missi (back) has returned for the second half of Friday's game against Memphis, Jim Eichenhofer of the Pelicans' official site reports.

Missi left in the second quarter of Friday's game due to a back injury, but he was back on the floor working out with trainers before the start of the second half, per Will Guillory of The Athletic. Missi appears to be past the issue and is on the floor for the start of the second half.