NBA Player News

Smith (calf) registered 16 points (5-7 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 3-3 FT), five rebounds and one assist in 20 minutes during Tuesday's 131-115 loss to the Bucks.

After missing the prior two games due to a calf issue, Smith rejoined the lineup and scored in double digits in his 11th straight appearance (eight starts). Over that 11-game stretch, the 25-year-old big man is averaging 13.3 points, 8.4 boards, 2.3 three-pointers, 1.3 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.5 blocks in 27.0 minutes. With Nikola Vucevic shipped out to Boston on Tuesday, Smith looks like he'll be locked in as the Bulls' starting center for the rest of the season, barring Chicago making other additions at the position ahead of Thursday's trade deadline.

White posted 21 points (7-17 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 5-7 FT), 10 rebounds and three assists in 30 minutes during Tuesday's 131-115 loss to the Bucks.

With trade rumors swirling around him, White kept his focus on the court and produced his first double-double of the season. The 25-year-old guard has scored at least 14 points in 10 straight appearances, averaging 20.0 points, 4.8 assists, 4.0 boards, 3.3 threes and 0.8 steals over that span.

Podziemski logged eight points (3-8 FG, 2-5 3Pt), two rebounds, two assists and one block in 25 minutes during Tuesday's 113-94 loss to the 76ers.

Podziemski's tepid outing didn't do the Warriors any favors, as the Sixers pummeled the team's first unit. With Jimmy Butler (knee) sidelined, Podziemski has been a mainstay in the starting five, but he's cooled off over the past seven games, averaging just 10.6 points per game during that span.

Buzelis ended with 22 points (8-16 FG, 5-10 3Pt, 1-3 FT), two rebounds, one assist and five blocks across 36 minutes during Tuesday's 131-115 loss to Milwaukee.

The second-year forward led the Bulls in scoring as he reached 20 points for the third time in the last five games. He also racked up a career-high five blocks. With Chicago beginning a rebuild Tuesday by shipping Nikola Vucevic to Boston, Buzelis should become even more of a focal point in the offense. He's drained multiple three-pointers in 10 of the last 11 games, averaging 15.5 points, 5.6 boards, 3.2 assists, 2.8 threes and 1.8 blocks over that stretch while shooting 42.5 percent from beyond the arc.

The Pistons waived Jones on Wednesday, Keith Smith of Spotrac.com reports.

Jones was the casualty on the 15-man roster after Detroit needed to clear a spot after acquiring Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric from Chicago while sending Jaden Ivey to the Bulls in a three-team trade Tuesday. After Detroit scooped him up off waivers from the Kings in early November, Jones went on to make just one one-minute appearance at the NBA level. Instead, the second-year big man has seen the bulk of his action this season in the G League, where he averaged 15.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.0 steals in 28.1 minutes per game over his 26 appearances for the Motor City Cruise.

Spencer finished with 13 points (5-8 FG, 3-4 3Pt), four rebounds, three assists and one steal across 26 minutes during Tuesday's 113-94 loss to the 76ers.

The Warriors had to dig deep to find more production during the loss, and Spencer came through with one of the team's highest totals. Spencer was a non-factor in his first two seasons with Golden State, but his 2025-26 minute average has jumped to 13.9 minutes per game. The gap left by Jimmy Butler (knee) has aided his bottom line.

Santos provided 13 points (5-7 FG, 3-5 3Pt), two rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two steals in 26 minutes during Tuesday's 113-94 loss to the 76ers.

Santos earned a starting nod due to Stephen Curry (knee) being sidelined, and the former finished the game tied with Pat Spencer for the team's highest scoring total. The first unit was anemic without Curry's involvement, illustrating the Warriors' dependence on the All-Star's production. Santos' fantasy value is limited at present, but he'll jump to the forefront if the Warriors get hit with more injuries.

Drummond finished Tuesday's 113-94 win over Golden State with 12 points (5-11 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 12 rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal across 29 minutes.

Drummond platooned with Adem Bona due to Joel Embiid (ankle) being sidelined. The duo's numbers were nearly identical, but Drummond finished with more minutes, points and rebounds. He'll continue to serve as a capable streaming option whenever Embiid is out.

Bassey is set to become an unrestricted free agent when his 10-day contract expires Wednesday.

After signing his 10-day pact with the 76ers on Jan. 26, Bassey didn't appear in any of the team's ensuing six games. Philadelphia could still look to re-sign the big man to a second 10-day deal ahead of its next game Thursday against the Lakers, though the 76ers will likely wait and see what the roster looks like following the trade deadline before potentially bringing him back.

Watford finished with 16 points (7-13 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-2 FT), eight rebounds, three assists and two blocks in 27 minutes during Tuesday's 113-94 victory over the Warriors.

Paul George's (suspension) extended absence will reveal some new wrinkles in the rotation, and it seems like Watford could make a more significant impact. The fifth-year pro has been hampered by injuries this season, but he appears to be past any limitations. It's too early to give Watford serious fantasy consideration, but his place in the rotation is worth monitoring.