NBA Player News

Ighodaro had 15 points (7-10 FG, 1-2 FT), seven rebounds, seven assists and one steal in 34 minutes during Thursday's 101-100 loss to San Antonio.

Ighodaro didn't repeat the season-best effort he delivered in the loss to Minnesota on Tuesday, when he finished with 16 points and 10 boards, but he still delivered a strong line, ending just three assists and three boards away from a double-double. Ighodaro has scored in double digits in four of his last nine starts, and while he's averaging 8.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per game in that span, he's definitely trending in the right direction after his two strong performances against the Timberwolves and Spurs.

Wembanyama provided 34 points (10-20 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 12-12 FT), 12 rebounds, three steals, one assist and one block across 35 minutes in Thursday's 101-100 win over the Suns.

Wembanyama racked up a game-high 34 points, including the game-winning jumper to clinch San Antonio's first playoff berth since 2019. The star big man also grabbed a game-best 12 boards, securing his 34th outing with a double-double or better through 55 regular-season appearances. The 22-year-old has had four such performances over his last five games, during which he has averaged 28.8 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.4 blocks and 1.4 steals per tilt.

Duren finished Thursday's 117-95 win over the Wizards with 24 points (9-15 FG, 6-8 FT), 11 rebounds and two steals in 25 minutes.

With Cade Cunningham (chest) sidelined, Duren took advantage of a favorable matchup and dropped a double-double in just three quarters of action during the front end of this back-to-back set. While Duren didn't play in the fourth quarter, coach J.B. Bickerstaff said the team was just being cautious with a big lead. The star center posted game highs in points and rebounds, securing his fifth consecutive double-double and eighth on the month. The 22-year-old also reached the 20-point threshold for a fourth straight game. Cunningham is set to be re-evaluated in two weeks and is in danger of missing the remainder of the regular season, opening the door for Duren to take on increased offensive responsibilities.

Sims won't start Thursday's game against the Jazz.

With Myles Turner (calf) back in action, Sims will slide to the second unit. The 27-year-old big man has averaged 4.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 22.5 minutes per game across six outings off the bench this month.

Turner (calf) will play in Thursday's game against Utah.

Turner is set to return from a one-game stint on the sidelines, which should result in Jericho Sims heading back to the second unit. Turner is averaging 12.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 2.1 triples and 1.5 blocks per game this season.

Missi will start Thursday's game against the Clippers, Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.

With Dejounte Murray (Achilles) sitting out the second half of this back-to-back set, Missi will rejoin the first unit. As a starter this season (nine games), the big man has averaged 5.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.9 blocks in 22.6 minutes per contest.

Richards will start Thursday's game against the Cavaliers.

With Jalen Smith (calf) unavailable, Richards will get the starting nod in the second leg of this back-to-back set. The big man's lone start with Chicago came in Friday's loss to the Clippers, when he posted 10 points (3-10 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 3-4 FT), eight rebounds, three blocks and one assist over 30 minutes.

Ware will come off the bench in Thursday's game versus the Lakers, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports.

Bam Adebayo (calf) is back and starting, so Ware will shift back to the second unit. As a reserve this season, the second-year center has posted averages of 9.8 points and 7.8 rebounds per contest.

Bitadze is in the starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Hornets.

Bitadze is filling in for the injured Wendell Carter (rib) on Thursday. It'll be the third start of the season for Bitadze, who has averaged 11.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks in 26.8 minutes per game with the first unit.

Clarke (calf) will remain on the inactive list for Friday's game against the Celtics.

Clarke has been out since Dec. 20 and continues to get ruled out a full day in advance of tipoff, suggesting he's made little progress in his recovery from the calf injury. The Grizzlies are going nowhere fast, so there's not much incentive for Clarke to get back out there. Until Memphis provides a timetable for Clarke, he should be viewed as week-to-week.