NBA Player News

Doncic notched 25 points (9-22 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 3-6 FT), five rebounds, three assists and one block in 33 minutes during Sunday's 111-89 loss to the Celtics.

Doncic did most of his damage early, scoring 18 of his team-high 25 points in the first half, though he wasn't able to help the Lakers mount a comeback in the second half. Still, he has put together two productive performances since returning from a four-game absence due to a left hamstring injury. Next up for Doncic and the Lakers is a home game against the Magic on Tuesday.

Smart finished with zero points (0-7 FG, 0-5 3Pt), one rebound and four assists across 22 minutes during Sunday's 111-89 loss to the Celtics.

It was Smart's second time facing the Celtics, who drafted him with the sixth overall pick of the 2014 NBA Draft. He wasn't able to get it going offensively during Sunday's blowout loss, missing all seven of his field-goal attempts while failing to score any points for the second time this season. Most of Smart's value comes on the defensive side of the floor, and the veteran guard is in the midst of a shooting slump -- he's gone 7-for-25 (28.0 percent) from the field over his last three outings.

Queta posted 10 points (4-5 FG, 2-2 FT), 12 rebounds, one assist and three blocks over 26 minutes during the Celtics' 111-89 win over the Lakers on Sunday.

Queta led the the Celtics in both blocks and rebounds Sunday (including four offensive boards) en route to his 10th double-double of the season (and third over his last nine outings). Queta continues to serve in a prominent role as the Celtics' starting center despite the team's acquisition of Nikola Vucevic at the trade deadline. Queta has averaged 8.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.4 blocks over 25.1 minutes per game since Feb. 1.

Brown recorded 32 points (10-28 FG, 3-9 3Pt, 9-12 FT), eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals over 36 minutes during the Celtics' 111-89 win over the Lakers on Sunday.

Brown didn't have the most efficient performance from the field and committed a team-high five turnovers. Even so, he was the game's leading scorer while attempting double-digit free throws for the 14th time this season, and he finished second on the Celtics in both assists and rebounds. Brown is putting together the best season of his NBA career and has averaged 28.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.7 threes and 0.9 steals over 33.6 minutes per game since Feb. 1.

Pritchard finished Sunday's 111-89 win over the Lakers with 30 points (10-14 FG, 6-9 3Pt, 4-4 FT), eight assists and four rebounds over 38 minutes.

Pritchard was held scoreless in the first quarter, but he quickly caught fire with in the second frame with 11 points, including a buzzer-beating three to extend the Celtics' halftime lead to 10 points. He helped Boston close things out with another 11 points in the fourth quarter and finished as the team's second-leading scorer behind Jaylen Brown (32 points). It was the fifth time this season that Pritchard scored at least 30 points in a game, and the sixth-year point guard has connected on six triples in back-to-back outings. He started in each of his first 48 appearances of the 2025-26 regular season before being moved to the bench Feb. 3 following the Celtics' trade of Anfernee Simons (wrist) to the Bulls in exchange for Nikola Vucevic. However, Pritchard hasn't lost a beat in a role familiar to him, as the 2024-25 6MOTY has scored at least 24 points in six of his last seven appearances.

Sanders will start Sunday's game against the Magic.

Sanders will start Sunday's contest due to John Collins (head) being out of the lineup. Sanders has seen a declining role over the last six games, culminating in two consecutive games where he did not see the floor. He will get a chance to reinstate himself in the rotation Sunday.

Murray notched 21 points (9-17 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 2-3 FT), two rebounds, two assists and one steal in 33 minutes during Sunday's 128-117 loss to the Warriors.

Murray recorded his fourth straight 20-plus point performance despite the Nuggets' double-digit loss. The guard has taken a step forward this season, entering Sunday averaging career highs of 25.6 points, 7.6 assists and 4.5 rebounds across 52 appearances. The Kentucky product has established himself as a steady scoring presence, reaching the 20-point mark in 42 games this campaign.

Avdija (back) won't return to Sunday's game against the Suns.

Avdija aggravated a preexisting back injury less than a minute into Sunday's game and will not return. Scoot Henderson, Jerami Grant and Sidy Cissoko are candidates for increased minutes with Avdija sidelined. His status for Tuesday's game against the Timberwolves is now in question.

Melton produced 20 points (7-18 FG, 2-10 3Pt, 4-4 FT), four rebounds, four steals and two assists across 25 minutes during Sunday's 128-117 victory over the Nuggets.

Melton made his presence felt in the Warriors' win, hitting the 20-point mark and recording a game-high four steals. After coming off the bench in his first 24 appearances of the season, the guard has now started six straight games, entering Sunday averaging 13.4 points, 2.4 assists, 2.2 rebounds and 1.8 steals in 24.8 minutes per contest across his first five starts. Melton may not post gaudy numbers, but he carries intrigue and value while holding a starting role in the absence of Stephen Curry (knee).

Horford logged 22 points (8-11 FG, 6-7 3Pt), seven assists, three steals, two blocks and one rebound across 27 minutes during Sunday's 128-117 win over Denver.

Horford drew the start with Draymond Green (back) sidelined and delivered in a big way, pouring in a season-high 22 points fueled by six three-pointers. Prior to Sunday, Horford had made just six total threes across six February games at a 23.1 percent clip, with his previous season high being four triples - a mark he hit twice, most recently Dec. 25 against Dallas. While it would be unwise to expect this level of production to become the norm for the 39-year-old, it's encouraging to see the veteran turn back the clock with a performance like this.