NBA Player News

Diabate had two points (1-4 FG), eight rebounds, two assists and three blocks across 18 minutes during Friday's 121-90 Play-In Game loss to the Magic.

Diabate tallied at least three blocks for the seventh time this season, closing out what could be considered a breakout campaign. However, although he was able to establish himself as the starting center in Charlotte, there are certainly some questions when it comes to his overall impact, especially for a team with lofty ambitions. In 75 appearances, Diabate averaged 7.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.7 combined steals and blocks.

Green was ejected with 1:04 remaining in the fourth quarter of Friday's 111-96 Play-In Tournament loss to the Suns after fouling out at the 1:06 mark. He closed with five points (2-4 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 1-2 FT), six assists, two rebounds and one steal across 36 minutes.

Both Devin Booker and Green, who was on the bench, were ejected late in the fourth quarter. The veteran big man and the Warriors will now look ahead to next season, though Green does hold a $27.7 million player option for the 2026-27 campaign. He finished the regular season with averages of 8.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 0.9 steals across 27.5 minutes per game in 68 outings.

Booker was ejected with 1:04 remaining in the fourth quarter of Friday's 111-96 Play-In Tournament win over the Warriors. He finished with 20 points (5-12 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 10-10 FT), eight assists, six rebounds and one steal across 42 minutes.

Both Draymond Green, who was on the bench after fouling out, and Booker were ejected late in the final quarter. The star guard and Jalen Green combined for 56 points as the Suns ended the Warriors' playoff hopes. Booker and the Suns are now set to face the Thunder in the first round of the playoffs.

Banchero registered 25 points (9-17 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 5-8 FT), five rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block over 33 minutes during Friday's 121-90 Play-In Tournament win over the Hornets.

Banchero struggled with turnovers and his shot in Wednesday's Play-In Tournament loss to the 76ers, but he bounced back in a big way Friday, powering the Magic to a blowout win. He ended his evening with just two turnovers and was a plus-17 in the 31-point victory. The Magic will now head to Detroit for their first-round matchup with the Pistons.

Ball contributed 23 points (7-17 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 6-6 FT), five assists and two rebounds across 25 minutes in Friday's 121-90 Play-In Tournament loss to the Magic.

Ball didn't deliver his most efficient performance during Friday's season-ending loss, though he did lead the Hornets with 23 points. He also paced the team in assists. The 24-year-old point guard dropped 20-plus points in each of Charlotte's Play-In Tournament games and in 35 of his 72 regular-season appearances (69 starts). Ball took a step back on the offensive end but still averaged at least 20 points per game for a fifth consecutive campaign, finishing the regular season with averages of 20.1 points, 7.1 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 28.0 minutes per tilt.

Ighodaro will start Friday's Play-In Tournament game against the Warriors.

With Mark Williams (foot) sidelined, Ighodaro will get the starting nod in Friday's win-or-go-home matchup. Over 24 regular-season starts, the big man averaged 8.0 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 26.9 minutes per game.

Allen (hamstring) is available for Friday's Play-In Tournament game against the Warriors.

Allen missed Phoenix's regular-season finale and Tuesday's Play-In Tournament loss to the Trail Blazers due to a left hamstring injury, though he'll return to action in Friday's win-or-go-home matchup. Over 51 regular-season appearances (27 starts), the veteran wing averaged 16.5 points, 3.8 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 28.8 minutes per contest.

Porzingis (ankle) is available for Friday's Play-In Tournament game against the Suns, Anthony Slater of ESPN.com reports.

Porzingis will shed his questionable tag and suit up in Friday's win-or-go-home matchup. Over 28 minutes in Wednesday's Play-In Tournament win over the Clippers, the big man posted 20 points, five rebounds, five assists, two blocks and one steal.

Williams (foot) is out for Friday's play-in game against the Warriors, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports.

Per Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic, head coach Jordan Ott said that Williams' foot flared up during the second half of Tuesday's loss to Portland, which factored into the big man sitting out the fourth quarter. Oso Ighodaro will have a chance to start Friday with Williams out, and there will be more minutes available for Rasheer Fleming and Khaman Maluach. Ryan Dunn could also be more involved in the rotation sans Williams.

Hayes (foot) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Saturday's Game 1 matchup with the Rockets.

Hayes missed L.A.'s final four regular-season games, but he'll return to the floor Saturday. With Hayes back in the mix, Maxi Kleber could drop from the rotation entirely.