NBA Player News

Thompson notched nine points (3-8 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 3-3 FT), seven rebounds, two assists, one block and four steals in 37 minutes during Thursday's 105-101 victory over the Hornets.

Thompson had a below-average night offensively, but he made up for it with his effort on the opposite end. He recorded four steals for the second time in his last nine games and registered a block for the third time in his last four appearances. Thompson is averaging 11.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.6 steals over his last five games.

Durant accumulated 35 points (14-20 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 5-5 FT), eight rebounds, four assists, three blocks and one steal over 36 minutes during Thursday's 105-101 victory over Charlotte.

Durant posted an impressive shooting performance and pulled his weight on the defensive end by accounting for three of the team's eight blocks. Only two other starters scored in double figures, so it was Durant who carried the offense to a win. The 37-year-old has also been more involved on the boards of late by grabbing eight rebounds in back-to-back showings.

Booker won't return to Thursday's game against the Spurs due to right hip soreness, Amanda Pflugrad of 3TV Phoenix reports.

Booker exited to the locker room late in the second quarter and won't play in the second half. He'll finish with five points (2-6 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 1-2 FT) and one rebound across nine minutes. Jordan Goodwin started the third quarter in Booker's place, though Amir Coffey could also see a bump in minutes the rest of the way. Booker's next opportunity to play will come Saturday against Orlando.

Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said that Nesmith (ankle) won't play Friday against Washington, Scott Agness of FieldhouseFiles.com reports.

The Pacers have already decided that Nesmith won't play in the second half of the team's back-to-back set to open the post-All-Star-break schedule after he sprained his right ankle in Thursday's 112-105 loss to the Wizards. Prior to his departure, Nesmith tallied three points (0-3 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 3-3 FT), two rebounds and one assist in 15 minutes. Kobe Brown started the second half in Nesmith's place Thursday and could be in line for a large workload again Friday.

Johnson supplied 32 points (9-22 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 14-16 FT), 10 rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block across 38 minutes in Thursday's 117-107 win over the 76ers.

Although Johnson didn't deliver his most efficient shooting performance, he got to the charity stripe often and finished with a game-high mark in points. The star forward also led the Hawks in rebounds while tying the game highs in assists and steals. Johnson continues to power Atlanta's offense and has now racked up two double-doubles and two triple-doubles over five January appearances. Additionally, he has logged three or more steals in three straight games.

Clifford is not in the Kings' starting lineup against the Magic on Thursday, Brenden Nunes of KHTK Sactown Sports 1140 reports.

The rookie first-rounder stepped into an expanded role just before the All-Star break, highlighted by his 30-point performance in a loss to the Cavaliers on Feb. 7. Clifford has started seven of the Kings' last 10 games, but he'll come off the bench Thursday due to the return of Keegan Murray, the latter of whom missed 20 consecutive games since early January because of a sprained left ankle.

Pickett (knee) has been cleared to play Thursday against the Clippers, Brenden Nunes of KHTK Sactown Sports 1140 reports.

Pickett has officially been cleared to suit up Thursday despite dealing with right knee soreness. He's hardly cracked the rotation of late and is averaging 2.0 points in 9.7 minutes over his last three outings.

Booker (undisclosed) exited to the locker room in the second quarter of Thursday's game against the Spurs, Amanda Pflugrad of 3TV Phoenix reports.

It's unclear why Booker headed back to the locker room late in the first half, though he should be considered questionable to return for the second until more information comes to light. He has tallied five points (2-6 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 1-2 FT) and one rebound across nine minutes thus far.

Carter is not in the Kings' starting lineup against the Magic on Thursday, Brenden Nunes of KHTK Sactown Sports 1140 reports.

Carter made his first start of the season against the Jazz on Feb. 11, and he put together a strong performance with 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and one block over 30 minutes. He'll move back to his usual spot on the bench Thursday due to the return of Russell Westbrook (ankle).

Walker finished Thursday's 112-105 loss to the Wizards with 19 points (5-15 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 8-10 FT), 14 rebounds, seven assists and two steals over 30 minutes.

Walker did not have the most efficient night from the field and committed five turnovers, but the third-year pro put together a strong stat line during Thursday's loss. He led the Pacers in points, rebounds and assists, and his 14 boards were a career high. Walker should continue to operate in an expanded role in the absence of Johnny Furphy, the latter of whom will miss the rest of the regular season due to a torn right ACL.