NBA Player News
-
Brook Lopez C | LAC
Clippers' Brook Lopez: Records double-double in loss
Lopez accumulated 16 points (7-12 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 1-1 FT), 10 rebounds, one assist, three blocks and two steals across 35 minutes during Friday's 125-122 loss to the Lakers.
Lopez was forced to play a larger role on offense after John Collins (head) went down with an injury in the second quarter. Lopez recorded his third double-double of the season, and Ivica Zubac's (ankle) departure should allow Lopez to hit the milestone more frequently.
-
Bennedict Mathurin SF | LAC
Clippers' Bennedict Mathurin: Continues strong production in loss
Mathurin had 26 points (7-16 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 11-14 FT), seven rebounds and two assists in 32 minutes before fouling out of Friday's 125-122 loss to the Lakers.
Mathurin kept the good vibes going after blowing up for 38 points against the Nuggets Thursday evening. The Clippers lost Kawhi Leonard (ankle) and John Collins (head) during Friday's loss, and opportunities should increase dramatically for Mathurin if the injuries force extended absences in the first unit.
-
LeBron James SF | LAL
Lakers' LeBron James: Records double-double in victory
James racked up 13 points (5-13 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three rebounds, 11 assists and one steal across 33 minutes during Friday's 125-122 win over the Clippers.
James excelled in his role as a facilitator on offense, recording his fifth consecutive double-digit assist total during the victory. With the lineup back to full health, James should serve as the third scoring option while delivering the ball often to his supporting cast. He'll also show up with high-scoring totals on occasion as the team makes its playoff push.
-
Austin Reaves SG | LAL
Lakers' Austin Reaves: Hits for 29 points with first unit
Reaves ended with 29 points (9-15 FG, 4-5 3Pt, 7-7 FT), six rebounds, two assists and two steals over 33 minutes during Friday's 125-122 win over the Clippers.
Reaves was a welcome addition to the starting lineup after a minute restriction relegated him to backup duties for five games before the All-Star break. Reaves showed no ill effects from the calf injury that limited him, joining Luka Doncic to contribute 67 of the team's 125 points. Reaves was averaging a stellar 26.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds before his extended absence, and the Lakers hope his return to health will yield similar results.
-
Luka Doncic PG | LAL
Lakers' Luka Doncic: Logs huge double-double Friday
Doncic posted 38 points (11-25 FG, 8-14 3Pt, 8-11 FT), 11 assists, six rebounds, three steals and one block across 38 minutes during Friday's 125-122 victory over the Clippers.
Doncic had missed the Lakers' previous four games due to a left hamstring strain, but aside from making a brief cameo in Sunday's All-Star Game, the 26-year-old guard was able to get enough time to rest up and recover during the midseason break to return to action Friday without any restrictions. His 38 points marked his highest scoring total since putting up 46 against the Bulls on Jan. 26. The Lakers now have a clean injury report and are working with their intended starting lineup, which should play in Doncic's favor as the team makes its playoff push.
-
Rudy Gobert C | MIN
Timberwolves' Rudy Gobert: Triggers automatic one-game ban
Gobert logged 22 points (9-11 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 4-8 FT), 17 rebounds, three blocks, one assist and one steal over 32 minutes during Friday's 122-111 win over the Mavericks. He was assessed his seventh flagrant foul of the season late in the second quarter, triggering an automatic one-game suspension.
Gobert finished with another strong double-double while offering four defensive counters, but his flagrant 1 foul marred an otherwise excellent night. The NBA will presumably review the play in question, but if the flagrant foul isn't rescinded, Gobert will sit out Sunday's game against the 76ers. Gobert previously served a one-game ban Jan. 13 against the Bucks after accruing his sixth flagrant foul. Though Gobert will be assessed another one-game suspension if his sixth flagrant foul is upheld, any additional flagrant 1 or 2 fouls beyond that will result in an automatic two-game suspension.
-
Bones Hyland PG | MIN
Timberwolves' Bones Hyland: Quiet again in win
Hyland had three points (1-3 FG, 1-2 3Pt), four rebounds and two assists over 15 minutes during Friday's 122-111 win over the Mavericks.
Hyland scored just three points for the second straight game, continuing his recent struggles on the offensive end. In four appearances over the past two weeks, he has averaged just 7.3 points, 3.0 assists and 1.8 three-pointers in 14.4 minutes per game. With Ayo Dosunmu now serving as the primary backup behind Donte DiVincenzo, it appears as though Hyland's brief run of relevancy may have some to a grinding halt.
-
Donte DiVincenzo SG | MIN
Timberwolves' Donte DiVincenzo: Flirts with double-double
DiVincenzo logged nine points (3-5 FG, 3-5 3Pt), five rebounds, nine assists and one steal over 30 minutes during Friday's 122-111 win over the Mavericks.
DiVincenzo fell agonizingly short of a double-double, albeit a very unassuming one. It's been a tough stretch for DiVincenzo, sitting well outside the top 150 in four games over the past two weeks. During that time, he has averaged 5.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.5 three-pointers. While his starting role appears to be safe, the recent addition of Ayo Dosunmu at least gives Minnesota another option, if and when DiVincenzo is struggling.
-
Tyus Jones PG | DEN
Mavericks' Tyus Jones: Scores 13 points in start
Jones ended with 13 points (6-10 FG, 1-1 3Pt), one rebound and six assists over 26 minutes during Friday's 122-111 loss to the Timberwolves.
Jones moved back into the starting lineup, scoring in double digits for the fourth time this season, and for the first time as a member of the Mavericks. With Cooper Flagg dealing with a foot injury, Jones moved into an elevated role. Dallas has shown very little trust in any of its point-guard options thus far, meaning Jones could certainly be given a shot at starting, at least for the foreseeable future. If you need assists and steals, perhaps he is worth taking a chance on.
-
Marvin Bagley III C | DAL
Mavericks' Marvin Bagley: Double-doubles in loss
Bagley ended with 15 points (5-9 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 13 rebounds and one block over 24 minutes during Friday's 122-111 loss to the Timberwolves.
Bagley logged at least 24 minutes for the third time in his past four appearances, continuing to play a relatively consistent role for his new team. During that span, he has averaged 11.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 23.3 minutes per game. He is by no means a must-roster player, but should at least be on the radar for anyone needing points and rebounds.