NBA Player News
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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.
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Jaxson Hayes C | LAL
Lakers' Jaxson Hayes: Cycles to bench
Hayes isn't in the starting lineup for Monday's game against Oklahoma City, Dan Woike of The Athletic reports.
Hayes drew a rare start Saturday with Deandre Ayton (knee) sidelined, but Ayton is back in with the first unit Monday evening. Hayes is averaging 6.9 points and 3.5 rebounds in 15 bench appearances since Jan. 1.
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Andre Drummond C | PHI
76ers' Andre Drummond: Starting sans Embiid
Drummond is in the starting lineup for Monday's game against Portland.
With Joel Embiid (knee) inactive, Drummond will step into the starting lineup for Monday's road contest. The veteran big man has started 18 games this season, averaging 8.8 points, 11.0 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 26.0 minutes per contest as a starter.
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Joel Embiid C | PHI
76ers' Joel Embiid: Ruled out Monday
Embiid (knee) won't play Monday against the Trail Blazers, Tony Jones of The Athletic reports.
Embiid will be held out due to right knee injury management, likely in an effort to ensure he goes into the All-Star break healthy with only one additional game remaining. Dominick Barlow (illness) is also out, opening up minutes for Trendon Watford, Adem Bona and Andre Drummond in the frontcourt.
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Jalen Duren C | DET
Pistons' Jalen Duren: Ejected vs. Charlotte
Duren was ejected during the third quarter of Monday's game against the Hornets following an altercation, Sam Perley of the Hornets' official site reports. He'll end the night with 15 points (5-7 FG, 5-5 FT), five rebounds, two assists and one steal in 20 minutes.
It's unclear at this time whether Duren will face further discipline for his role in the scuffle that broke out during the third period between players from both sides. This outcome certainly puts a damper on his return, as he was through two and a half quarters of strong play after sitting out of Friday's game against the Knicks with a knee injury.
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Robert Williams III C | POR
Trail Blazers' Robert Williams: Will play Monday
Williams (knee) is available for Monday's game against the 76ers, Danny Marang of 1080 The Fan Portland reports.
Williams was held out of Saturday's matchup against the Grizzlies due to a knee injury, but he'll be back on the court for Monday's action. He's averaging 9.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.2 blocks over his last five games.