NBA Player News

Lopez recorded 13 points (5-7 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 3-3 FT), five rebounds, two assists and five blocks across 31 minutes during Wednesday's 122-93 win over the Magic.

The five rejections were Lopez's best performance at the rim since Nov. 13, and he fell one short of the season-high six he collected Opening Night against the Sixers. The veteran center has blocked multiple shots in eight of the last 15 games, averaging 14.4 points, 4.3 boards, 2.1 threes, 1.7 assists and 1.6 blocks over that stretch while shooting 52.2 percent from the floor.

Porzingis finished with 18 points (7-11 FG, 4-5 3Pt, 0-2 3Pt), eight boards, three assists, two blocks and a steal through 35 minutes in Wednesday's 110-97 loss to the Raptors.

Prior to Wednesday's contest, the veteran big man had logged three straight double-doubles. Against the Raptors, he narrowly missed out on what would've been his fourth but contributed on the defensive side of the ball as well to round out a nice showing from a fantasy perspective. He's back in action Friday against the Magic.

Carter closed with 12 points (3-12 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 4-5 FT), 10 rebounds, one assist and two steals across 33 minutes during Wednesday's 122-93 loss to Milwaukee.

It was the third double-double of the campaign for Carter, who moved back into the starting five Wednesday with Goga Bitadze (concussion) unavailable. The 2018 first-round pick was already seeing his production rise with Moritz Wagner (knee) done for the season, and Carter could get another boost in the short term while Bitadze is sidelined. Through eight games (two starts) in January, Carter is averaging 10.1 points, 6.3 boards, 1.8 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.8 threes in 24.8 minutes a contest.

Bassey amassed five points (2-3 FG, 1-2 FT), five rebounds, two blocks and one steal across 11 minutes during Wednesday's 129-115 loss to the Grizzlies.

Bassey continues to serve as the primary backup behind Victor Wembanyama, recording at least one block for the third straight game. As long as Wembanyama is healthy, Bassey's opportunities will be limited. However, it is clear he has moved ahead of Zach Collins in the rotation, meaning should Wembanyama miss any time moving forward, Bassey would be next in line to assume the starting role.

Huff ended with 11 points (4-6 FG, 3-5 3Pt), one rebound and one block across 11 minutes during Wednesday's 129-115 win over the Spurs.

Huff returned from a one-game absence, adding depth to the center rotation in Memphis. The team is currently running with Huff, Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke, limiting the opportunities for all three. Whatever they are doing seems to be working, meaning Huff is unlikely to move into a sizeable role, at least not with the team's current mindset.

Theis closed with two points (1-4 FG), five rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal over 19 minutes during Wednesday's 119-116 win over the Mavericks.

Theis continues to play limited minutes behind Yves Missi, having now played fewer than 20 minutes in eight of the past 10 games. Now on the wrong side of 30, it's hard to envisage Theis stepping into a larger role, at least not on a consistent basis. He should be able to provide the Pelicans with a semi-reliable veteran piece, something they need desperately given the season they are going though.

Missi recorded 12 points (5-7 FG, 2-4 FT), six rebounds, two blocks and one steal over 29 minutes during Wednesday's 119-116 win over the Mavericks.

Missi saw a slight increase in playing time, thanks largely to the fact that Zion Williamson was resting on the second night of a back-to-back set. Despite continuing to start for the Pelicans, Missi's production has declined lately, averaging just 8.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game over the past two weeks. The eventual return of Brandon Ingram from an ankle injury could also impact Missi, making him a tough player to project moving forward.

Powell racked up one assist across four minutes during Wednesday's 119-116 loss to the Pelicans.

Powell logged fewer than 10 minutes for the seventh time in the past eight games, continuing his underwhelming season. At this point, he is basically the fourth-string center in the Mavericks rotation, playing behind Dereck Lively (ankle), Daniel Gafford and Maxi Kleber.

Gafford accumulated 27 points (12-13 FG, 3-4 FT), 12 rebounds, two assists and two blocks across 30 minutes during Wednesday's 119-116 loss to the Pelicans.

Gafford took over the starting role, replacing Dereck Lively who was ruled out due to an ankle injury. After weeks of playing second fiddle to Lively, Gafford was able to showcase his talents, recording his first double-double in more than six weeks. As long as Lively is sidelined, Gafford should continue to log heavy minutes on a team clawing and scratching for every win in a loaded Western Conference.

Claxton (hamstring) has been made available for Wednesday's game against the Clippers, Brian Lewis of the New York Post reports.

Claxton missed Tuesday's game on the road against the Trail Blazers with a hamstring issue but will be back in action for the Nets on Wednesday against the Clippers. The Nets big man is averaging 10.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 blocks per game this season, shooting 54.8 percent from the field.