NBA Player News

Suggs (back) posted three points (1-6 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 1-2 FT), two steals, one rebound and one block over 13 minutes during Orlando's 113-108 loss to Houston on Thursday.

Suggs came off the bench Thursday in his return from a three-game absence due to a back strain. The fifth-year guard struggled to get anything going and led the team with four turnovers while finishing with no assists and a minus-11 point differential. Suggs seemed to be out of rhythm, which led to him playing just three minutes in the second half while sitting on the bench for the entire fourth quarter. He should see his playing time increase in Sunday's game against the Pistons, though it's uncertain if Suggs will take back his spot in the starting five from Tristan da Silva.

Kispert closed with 33 points (11-19 FG, 6-11 3Pt, 5-5 FT), six rebounds, one assist and one block across 28 minutes during Thursday's 126-96 win over Washington.

Kispert led Washington with 33 points despite being deployed off the bench. This offensive outburst marks his best of the season through 40 games. Unfortunately for Kispert, these opportunities on the offensive end are likely to dwindle once Nickeil Alexander-Walker (foot) and Jalen Johnson (hip) return to play.

Banchero recorded 19 points (6-16 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 7-10 FT), nine assists, eight rebounds, one block and one steal over 37 minutes during the Magic's 113-108 loss to the Rockets on Thursday.

Banchero led the Magic on Thursday in both assists and rebounds (finishing two boards and one dime shy from logging his third triple-double of the season) and finished as the team's second-leading scorer behind Desmond Bane (30 points). Banchero has dished out six-plus assists in each of his last five outings since the All-Star break, and over that span he has averaged 25.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.4 threes and 1.2 blocks over 38.2 minutes per game.

Walker closed with 16 points (7-17 FG, 2-7 3Pt), six rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal in 31 minutes during Thursday's 133-109 loss to Charlotte.

Walker bounced back from a tough eight-point showing Tuesday against the Sixers. He's reached double figures in the scoring column in 14 of his last 15 games and continues to add solid contributions in steals and blocks.

Sengun finished Thursday's 113-108 win over Orlando with 16 points (8-15 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 0-2 FT), six rebounds, five assists and one block over 31 minutes.

Sengun put together a modest stat line during Thursday's win, though he did lead the Rockets in assists while finishing third in scoring behind Kevin Durant (40 points) and Reed Sheppard (20 points). Sengun has averaged 18.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.0 steals over 32.4 minutes per game since Feb. 2.

Potter had 19 points (6-11 FG, 5-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds, one assist and two steals over 26 minutes during Thursday's 133-109 loss to Charlotte.

Potter picked up right where he left off after dropping a career-best 23 points Tuesday against Philly. He caught fire from downtown, where he tacked on 15 of his 19 points on the night. Potter also led Indiana with a pair of swipes. The Wisconsin product has logged 20-plus minutes in eight straight games and has a chance to remain relevant in the rotation even after Pascal Siakam (wrist) is cleared to return.

Diabate had 14 points (7-8 FG), 11 rebounds, four assists and two steals in 30 minutes during Thursday's 133-109 win over the Pacers.

Diabate powered his way to his second double-double in six February appearances. He led the Hornets in rebounds and also contributed defensively by accounting for two of Charlotte's 10 steals. Diabate continues to offer solid production across the board as the squad's starting center.

Sheppard registered 20 points (7-11 FG, 5-7 3Pt, 1-2 FT), four assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks over 31 minutes during the Rockets' 113-108 win over the Magic on Thursday.

Sheppard was moved back to a bench role for Thursday's contest after starting in Tuesday's win over the Kings, when he led the Rockets with 28 points. His removal from the starting lineup didn't impact his play, and he played a key role in the Rockets' comeback victory, with 17 of his 20 points coming in the second half (including 11 points in the third frame to power Houston's 21-0 run). It was Sheppard's eighth 20-plus point game of the season -- two of which have come in as many games -- and he has connected on 49.2 percent of his three-point attempts over his last eight outings while averaging 16.9 points, 3.8 assists, 3.4 rebounds, 3.8 threes, 1.4 steals and 0.9 blocks over 27.3 minutes over that span. Jabari Smith suffered a right ankle injury late in the fourth quarter, so Sheppard could take on an expanded role against the Heat on Saturday if the former is unable to play.

Bagley (head) checked back in to Thursday's game against the Kings, Noah Weber of TheSmokingCuban.com reports.

Bagley returned to the game with 10:08 remaining in the fourth quarter after suffering a head injury earlier in the half. He shouldn't face any type of restriction down the stretch.

Smith did not return to Thursday's game against the Magic due to a right ankle injury. He finished with 13 points (6-7 FG, 1-1 3Pt), one rebound and one assist over 29 minutes in a 113-108 win.

Smith was taken out at the 1:42 mark of the fourth quarter after he rolled his ankle when he stepped on Alperen Sengun's foot. Smith will undergo further tests to determine the severity of the injury, but it puts him in jeopardy of missing Saturday's game against the Heat, which would be his first absence since Nov. 3. Josh Okogie, Reed Sheppard and Dorian Finney-Smith figure to be the top candidates to enter the Rockets' starting lineup if Smith were to miss time.