NBA Player News

Ball notched 22 points (9-19 FG, 4-12 3Pt), seven rebounds and six assists in 33 minutes during Sunday's 111-99 loss to Phoenix.

The Hornets are miraculously in Play-In territory, but they were unable to get much going against the Suns. Ball did the heavy lifting while Brandon Miller struggled to find the bottom of the basket, and the former recorded another 20-plus point total after three consecutive games where he failed to reach that milestone.

Gillespie ended with 24 points (8-15 FG, 5-10 3Pt, 3-3 FT), five rebounds and four assists over 36 minutes during Sunday's 111-99 victory over the Hornets.

Gillespie drilled five three-pointers to boost his total in the decisive win, and it's apparent that Jalen Green's return to prominence has had zero effect on Gillespie's production. Although he had a down game against Chicago four days ago, the rest of Gillespie's totals in March have been steady and consistent. The third-year pro is on track for a career year, averaging 13.6 points, 4.7 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.3 steals over 63 games.

Maluach accumulated four points (2-4 FG), nine rebounds and two blocks in 20 minutes during Sunday's 111-99 victory over the Hornets.

Mark Williams (foot) will be out for a few more weeks, and although Oso Ighodaro has the inside track for Williams' minutes, the team will give their 2025 lottery pick every opportunity to make an impact. The Duke product has struggled to stay healthy, but Maluach made great strides in the G League and should serve as the team's second option under the basket until Williams returns.

Booker closed with 30 points (7-18 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 15-15 FT), three rebounds and 10 assists in 35 minutes during Sunday's 111-99 win over the Hornets.

Booker didn't have a great night of shooting, but he drew plenty of contact during the victory. He took advantage by going 15-for-15 from the free-throw line, representing half of his scoring total. The trio of Booker, Jalen Green and Collin Gillespie counted for 78 of Phoenix's 111 points, and although they are currently projected for the Play-In bracket, they could leapfrog the Nuggets if this core stays healthy.

Richards closed with 10 points (3-8 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 4-7 FT), 11 rebounds, one assist and one block in 21 minutes during Sunday's 126-110 loss to the Kings.

Richards recorded his third double-double of the season, outplaying spot starter Guerschon Yabusele. Jalen Smith (calf) appears to be the heir apparent following Nikola Vucevic's departure, but Richards has years of experience as a starter for Charlotte and Phoenix. He will be used liberally as Smith works back up to 100 percent, but due to his limited workload, Richards is likely outside the realm of fantasy viability at this juncture.

Buzelis closed with 20 points (5-12 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 8-9 FT), eight rebounds, four assists and three blocks in 30 minutes during Sunday's 126-110 loss to Sacramento.

Buzelis recorded a solid line in the loss with production in every major category. The 2024 first-round pick has matched career-high production with near-perfect attendance this season. Thursday's absence marked his first of the campaign and only the third absence of his two-year tenure with the Bulls. Over 63 games, Buzelis is averaging 15.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 blocks.

Giddey provided 15 points (6-13 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 1-1 FT), 12 rebounds, 10 assists and one steal over 34 minutes during Sunday's 126-110 loss to the Kings.

Giddey returned from a one-game absence and posted his ninth triple-double of the season. While Giddey has struggled to stay healthy, he's been extremely productive when active, averaging 17.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, 8.5 assists and 1.0 steals over 42 games. The Bulls would need several wins and a lot of help to reach a Play-In berth, and they'll need Giddey at 100 percent to make that happen.

Plowden notched 16 points (6-13 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 2-3 FT), three rebounds and two assists across 35 minutes during Sunday's 126-110 victory over the Bulls.

Plowden drew his second start of the season, filling the slot left by DeMar DeRozan (illness). While DeRozan should return soon, Plowden represents a key piece of the youth movement that will become the Kings' focus as they recover from a lost season. His promotion to the parent club will likely be a permanent one, as he's well under the cutoff for his two-way contract. He's in a perfect spot to break his elongated stint in the G League and has a shot at earning a full-time roster spot this season.

Raynaud supplied 26 points (10-20 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 6-6 FT), 11 rebounds, two assists, three blocks and one steal in 38 minutes during Sunday's 126-110 win over the Bulls.

Raynaud recorded his 14th double-double of the season during the win. The rookie's excellent play under the basket has heightened trade rumors swirling around Domantas Sabonis (knee), who may have played his last game with the Kings. Wth Precious Achiuwa assuming a larger role during Keegan Murray's (ankle) absence, Drew Eubanks is currently Raynaud's only competition until Dylan Cardwell (ankle) is cleared to suit up.

Monk contributed 30 points (11-24 FG, 3-10 3Pt, 5-5 FT), four rebounds, five assists and one block in 31 minutes during Sunday's 126-110 victory over the Bulls.

Monk had a brilliant outing during the decisive win, helping to fill the gap left by DeMar DeRozan's (illness) absence. Monk's 30-point effort was the best scoring result of the season for the ninth-year pro, who was at risk of fading into the woodwork as the team explored the bench for options as they look to the future. Monk ended that trend with 30 minutes against the Pelicans and a resounding tour de force against the shorthanded Bulls. Monk will probably be wearing another jersey next season, but nights like this will certainly drive his stock up in free agency.