NBA Player News

Leonard recorded 24 points (7-19 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 8-9 FT), eight rebounds, three assists and one steal during Tuesday's 102-95 loss to the Rockets.

Leonard paced the Clippers with 24 points, marking the 38th time he has reached 20 points this season and extending his streak of 20-plus-point performances to 31 games. Since Jan. 1, he has averaged 28.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.0 steals, continuing to anchor both the Clippers' offense and defense.

Brunson contributed 40 points (15-31 FG, 4-14 3Pt, 6-8 FT), eight assists, five rebounds and one steal across 42 minutes in Tuesday's 137-134 overtime loss to the Pacers.

Brunson put up a season-high 31 field-goal attempts en route to his fourth 40-plus-point performance on the campaign. The star guard led all players in scoring and finished second on the Knicks in assists behind Josh Hart (11). Brunson has reached the 30-point threshold in back-to-back games following a lackluster 12-point outing during Friday's blowout loss to Detroit, and he has recorded at least 30 points and eight assists in three of his last four games. During that stretch, he has averaged 31.3 points, 7.3 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 38.3 minutes per contest.

Bufkin is starting Tuesday's game against the Spurs, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.

Bufkin will make his first start of the season due to Luka Doncic (hamstring), LeBron James (foot), Austin Reaves (calf) and Marcus Smart (ankle) all being sidelined. Bufkin will run the floor alongside Luke Kennard, Jake LaRavia, Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes.

Hayes will start against the Spurs on Tuesday, Ryan Ward of SI.com reports.

The seventh-year center will get the starting nod due to Deandre Ayton (knee) being sidelined. As a starter this season (five games), Hayes has averaged 10.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 27.0 minutes per contest.

Kennard will start against the Spurs on Tuesday, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.

With the Lakers shorthanded for the second leg of this back-to-back set, Kennard will get the starting nod for the first time this season. Over two outings with the Lakers thus far, the sharpshooter has averaged 8.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.0 steals in 25.0 minutes per tilt.

Ayton (knee) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Spurs, Khobi Price of the California Post reports.

Ayton will miss his second outing in a three-game span due to right knee soreness, and his final opportunity to suit up before the All-Star break will come Thursday against Dallas. With the big man sidelined, Jaxson Hayes will likely get the starting nod, while Maxi Kleber and Drew Timme are candidates for increased playing time.

Claxton is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Pacers with right hip soreness, Sharif Phillips-Keaton of USA Today reports.

This is a new injury for Claxton, and the Nets may opt to rest him against the struggling Pacers as a precaution. If he sits, Day'Ron Sharpe would likely get the start at center for Brooklyn.

Washington will start against the Suns on Tuesday, Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Washington came off the bench in Saturday's loss to the Spurs following a two-game absence due to a concussion, though he'll return to the starting five against Phoenix. As a starter this season (34 games), he has averaged 14.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.0 steals in 31.3 minutes per tilt.

Marshall isn't in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Sun, Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Marshall will retreat to a bench role as the Mavs elect to move P.J. Washington back into the starting five and give Tyus Jones, who was recently acquired from the Hornets, a look with the first unit. Marshall is averaging 11.8 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists in his last four appearances off the bench, which took place during a stretch from Dec. 27 - Jan. 3.

Martin won't start against the Suns on Tuesday, Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News reports.

After drawing three consecutive starts, Martin will come off the bench Tuesday. As a reserve this season (35 games), the veteran forward has averaged 2.2 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 10.7 minutes per contest.