NBA Player News

Henderson contributed 12 points (2-5 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 8-10 FT), two rebounds, seven assists and one steal in 20 minutes during Monday's 135-118 win over Philadelphia.

The Trail Blazers added Jrue Holiday this past offseason due partly to Scoot Henderson's health, but the team still views the 2023 first-round pick as its point guard of the future. Things haven't gone according to plan for the youngster, but it's easy to forget that he came directly out of high school and just turned 22 last week. His recent results indicate a promising return to health, but a promotion to the starting lineup is unlikely this season.

Clingan contributed 15 points (6-10 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 0-2 FT), seven rebounds, three assists and four blocks across 28 minutes during Monday's 135-118 win over the 76ers.

Clingan enjoyed an efficient night against the Sixers, who had to manage without Joel Embiid (rest). Embiid's absence created an exploitable opportunity for Clingan, who was able to keep Andre Drummond under wraps. Clingan failed to hit the double-double milestone after reaching it three consecutive times, but the second-year pro has several to his credit. He currently ranks 13th in the league with 20 double-doubles.

Avdija produced 26 points (8-16 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 8-10 FT), 10 rebounds, eight assists, one block and two steals in 27 minutes during Monday's 135-118 win over the 76ers.

The Trail Blazers look like contenders when Avdija is in the lineup, and although the team was led by a career night from Toumani Camara, Avdija logged a brilliant output in his return from a four-game absence due to a back strain. The standout should get the rest he needs during the All-Star break, and his full participation will enhance Portland's odds of snagging a postseason opportunity.

Reaves supplied 16 points (6-14 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 3-3 FT), two rebounds, seven assists and one steal across 29 minutes during Monday's 119-110 loss to the Thunder.

Reaves was limited to 29 minutes from the bench, but he was able to make a noticeable impact in the contest. Recaves should be set to rejoin the starting lineup following the All-Star break, but the team will ease him back slowly to avoid aggravation of his calf injury.

Smart finished Monday's 119-110 loss to the Thunder with 19 points (7-16 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 1-2 FT), three rebounds, three assists and two steals over 29 minutes.

Smart put in solid work as Luka Doncic's direct fill-in during the loss. The former's 19-point effort marked the veteran's third-highest scoring total of the season. Since his recent spike corresponds to Doncic's absence, we should expect continued output from Smart while the team's offensive catalyst is sidelined.

James supplied 22 points (9-17 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 4-6 FT), six rebounds, 10 assists and one steal across 36 minutes during Monday's 119-110 loss to the Thunder.

With Luka Doncic (hamstring) sidelined for a second consecutive game, James boosted his production and produced another double-double after hitting the milestone during Doncic's first absence, raising his double-double total to nine for the season. James is fully healthy, and the return of Austin Reaves and the eventual return of Doncic will have the team ready for a playoff run following the All-Star break.

Joe produced 19 points (6-13 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 3-3 FT), three rebounds, two assists and two steals over 27 minutes during Monday's 119-110 victory over the Lakers.

Although Cason Wallace continued to start for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen), Joe also helped to fill the gap with another strong performance. Joe struggled during a spot start last week against the Spurs, and his swift demotion served as proper motivation for the sixth-year pro. With Jared McCain shooting up the depth chart, Joe will need to keep his production up to preserve his spot in the rotation.

Hartenstein racked up 10 points (4-8 FG, 2-4 FT), nine rebounds, six assists and three steals in 22 minutes during Monday's 119-110 win over the Lakers.

Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren did an excellent job propping up the frontcourt against the Lakers. The veteran's numbers have been pedestrian since his return to action, averaging only 8.2 points and 7.4 rebounds over five games. Interestingly, the big man saw a sharp increase in assists after the return. His five-game average of 6.0 assists is well above his usual results in the category.

Williams registered 23 points (6-17 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 11-13 FT), three rebounds, one assist and one steal over 24 minutes during Monday's 119-110 win over the Lakers.

With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) sidelined for a couple of weeks, the Thunder were fortunate to see the return of Williams on Monday. Although the standout forward was on a mild minute restriction, he made his presence known in his return to the starting lineup after a 10-game absence. Williams will be able to rest his hamstring over the All-Star break, and the Thunder should be back to full strength with their potent original starting lineup when games continue next week.

Braun amassed 20 points (7-13 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 2-2 FT), five rebounds and two assists in 32 minutes during Monday's 119-117 loss to Cleveland.

Braun got his stat line to acceptable levels after struggling through his first three appearances following a 12-game absence. He's showing no ill effects from the ankle injury that sidelined him, and Monday's effort was a positive indicator that he'll return to his usual level of production heading into the All-Star break.