NBA Player News

Jokic amassed 20 points (8-19 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 14 rebounds, 13 assists, one block and two steals across 38 minutes during Monday's 130-129 win over the Kings.

Jokic was coming off a 16-point, seven-rebound effort in the Dec. 13 win over the Clippers, and while that was a subpar line for his standards, the star big man didn't waste time bouncing back and delivering the numbers we've grown accustomed to seeing this season. This was his 10th triple-double of the season, and Jokic should be in line for another loaded stat line Thursday in a favorable matchup against the Trail Blazers.

Poeltl was scheduled to undergo an MRI after exiting Monday's 122-121 loss to the Bulls with a left groin injury in the fourth quarter, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The Raptors are expected to provide a prognosis for Poeltl once the results of the MRI are available, likely at some point Tuesday. Poeltl recorded six points (3-7 FG), five rebounds, three assists and one steal in 22 minutes before checking out of the game with 10:12 remaining in the contest due to the injury. If Poeltl isn't available for Thursday's game against the Nets, the Raptors would likely lean on Kelly Olynyk and Jonathan Mogbo to cover most of the minutes at center, with Chris Boucher presumably getting more playing time at power forward.

Vucevic finished Monday's 122-121 win over Toronto with 24 points (10-17 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), five rebounds, three assists and two blocks over 32 minutes.

With Zach LaVine (back) sidelined, Vucevic embraced a more significant role on offense Monday, and the big man responded by posting his 14th appearance with at least 20 points in the current campaign. Vucevic has been very efficient of late and shows no signs of slowing down. Over his last five appearances, Vucevic is averaging 22.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 63.2 percent from the floor in that span.

Sharpe finished with 15 points (5-10 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 4-4 FT), seven rebounds, one assist and three steals in 20 minutes off the bench during Monday's 130-101 loss to Cleveland.

The backup center produced his best game yet since making a belated season debut Dec. 2 due to a hamstring injury he suffered in training camp. The Nets are in sell mode and may try to find a taker for Nic Claxton's contract, which runs through 2027-28. If he does get moved, Sharpe -- who is in the final year of his rookie deal and will be a restricted free agent this offseason -- could see his fantasy value soar in a starting role.

Richards accumulated 19 points (7-9 FG, 5-6 FT), five rebounds, one block and one steal in 15 minutes off the bench during Monday's 121-108 loss to Philadelphia.

It was an incredibly efficient performance from Richards, who out-produced starting center Mark Williams (seven points, three boards, three assists and three blocks) in two fewer minutes of court time. Richards has bounced in and out of the starting five since returning from a rib fracture in late November, averaging 11.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.0 blocks in 22.5 minutes a contest over his last six appearances (three starts), but with Moussa Diabate also in the mix at center for the Hornets, it's tough to rely on any of them from a fantasy perspective.

Drummond accumulated nine points (4-7 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 1-1 FT), 15 rebounds, one assist, one block and two steals over 28 minutes during Monday's 121-108 win over the Hornets.

With Joel Embiid (sinus fracture) in street clothes with yet another injury, Drummond slid back into the starting lineup and produced his best numbers on the glass since he pulled down 17 boards Oct. 27 against the Pacers. Embiid is expected to miss at least a couple more games, so while Drummond will split the workload at center with Guerschon Yabusele, the 31-year-old should have short-term fantasy value once again.

Duren chipped in nine points (4-7 FG, 1-1 FT), 16 rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal in 32 minutes during Monday's 125-124 overtime win over Miami.

Duren returned to the lineup Monday after missing the previous game with a wrist injury, leading all Pistons in rebounds while concluding one point short of a double-double. Duren has hauled in 15 or more boards in three contests this season, and he has reached a double-digit rebound total on 10 occurrences.

Poeltl will not return to Monday's game against the Bulls due to a left groin injury, Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca reports. He'll finish the game with six points (3-7 FG), five rebounds, three assists and one steal across 22 minutes.

Poeltl slipped and limped back to the locker room with 10:12 remaining in the final quarter of Monday's matchup before being ruled out. Jonathan Mogbo and Kelly Olynyk should see more opportunities if Poeltl is forced to miss additional time.

Poeltl left Monday's game against the Bulls due to a an apparent lower body injury, Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca reports.

Poeltl appeared to slip early in the fourth quarter and limped to the locker room shortly after for further evaluation. Kelly Olynyk and Jonathan Mogbo would pick up the slack at center the rest of the way if Poeltl can't return.

Fernando is not in the Raptors' starting lineup for Monday's game against the Bulls, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Fernando was a late addition to the Raptors' starting lineup Thursday due to Jakob Poeltl dealing with back spasms. However, Poeltl ended up playing in that game and played 27 minutes off the bench while Fernando was limited to just two minutes of playing time. Fernando likely won't see much playing time off Toronto's bench behind Poeltl and Kelly Olynyk.