NBA Player News

Bailey ended Thursday's 129-118 loss to New Orleans with 23 points (9-17 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 3-3 FT), four rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal in 29 minutes.

Bailey stepped up amid Lauri Markkanen's (hip) absence and provided the team's highest point total. Although he failed to make an impact against Houston earlier in the week, he hit for 20 points against Memphis following the All-Star break. The low total against the Rockets snapped a seven-game streak of double-digit scoring results, but he seems to be back on track.

Williamson produced 20 points (9-15 FG, 2-3 FT), four rebounds, four assists, one block and four steals across 33 minutes during Thursday's 129-118 victory over the Jazz.

Williamson had his way against Utah's shorthanded frontcourt in the decisive win, and his total would have likely been higher if he had stayed in the game during the closing minutes. Although the team's playoff hopes are thwarted, they've racked up a three-game win streak thanks to strong performances from Williamson and Saddiq Bey.

Murray ended Thursday's 129-118 victory over Utah with 17 points (5-12 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 5-5 FT), three rebounds, nine assists, one block and four steals across 26 minutes.

Murray turned in another solid total in his second game following a one-year absence, and he's showing no lingering effects of the Achilles injury or extended time off. However, the Pelicans will probably play it safe with Murray at some point during the upcoming back-to-back set, and he continues to operate under a minutes limit despite starting his first two appearances of the campaign.

Bey posted 42 points (14-20 FG, 5-9 3Pt, 9-9 FT), five rebounds and seven assists across 34 minutes during Thursday's 129-118 win over the Jazz.

Bey could do no wrong in the decisive win, proving to be an excellent replacement for Trey Murphy's (shoulder) missing production. Bey has been a critical piece of the puzzle for the Pelicans since the All-Star break, averaging 25.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists over the last four games.

James totaled 15 points (7-16 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 1-2 FT), six rebounds and five assists over 35 minutes during Thursday's 113-110 loss to the Suns.

James shot below 50 percent from the floor in the loss and missed all three of his three-point attempts in the narrow defeat. James has scored 15 points or fewer in two of the four games following the All-Star break, but his secondary numbers have salvaged the below-average scoring totals.

Ayton recorded two points (1-3 FG), four rebounds and one steal over 23 minutes during Thursday's 113-110 loss to the Suns.

Ayton finished with his lowest point total of the season during the loss and suffered through one of his lowest rebound totals of the season. Jaxson Hayes proved to be the better option under the basket against the Suns, and he could be in line for more time now that his ankle injury has healed. Although most of the Lakers' first unit is set, the center position will remain a point of concern.

Reaves recorded 14 points (5-12 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three rebounds, two assists and two steals in 36 minutes during Thursday's 113-110 loss to the Suns.

Reaves had the opportunity to answer Royce O'Neale's late three-pointer, but his final shot rattled off the rim. Although four of the Lakers' five starters scored in double digits, Luka Doncic was the only player to score more than 15 points in the surprising loss. Next to Doncic, Reaves looked like the most effective player on the floor during the loss as he took advantage of absences from Dillon Brooks (hand) and Devin Booker (hip).

Green amassed nine points (4-15 FG, 1-7 3Pt), three rebounds, one assist and one steal in 24 minutes during Thursday's 113-110 win over the Lakers.

Although Green popped with a 26-point result last week, he's failed to make much of an impact since returning to full-time action. His ongoing minute restriction is part of the problem, as he's averaged only 27.3 minutes over the past four games. His shot volume has stayed high despite the limitation, but he'll need to do better than his four-game conversion rate of 28.0 percent.

Allen provided 28 points (9-24 FG, 6-16 3Pt, 4-4 FT), one rebound, six assists, one block and one steal across 31 minutes during Thursday's 113-110 win over the Lakers.

Allen proved to be the best fill-in option for Dillon Brooks (hand) in the narrow victory, as Ryan Dunn and Royce O'Neale had a hard time finding room against the Lakers. Allen drilled six three-pointers in the win, marking his third-highest total of the season in the category. Allen is working his way back from a couple of injuries, and he will probably rejoin the starting five soon.

O'Neale provided 13 points (4-7 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), six rebounds and three assists across 28 minutes during Thursday's 113-110 victory over the Lakers.

O'Neale sank a clutch three-pointer with seconds remaining to seal the narrow victory, thwarting the Lakers' late rally in dramatic fashion. O'Neale finally paid off as a top producer while filling in for Dillon Brooks (hand) after totaling only nine points and nine rebounds over the previous two games. He'll be a regular starter, but his results will be unpredictable and often fall below expectations.