NBA Player News

Jackson totaled 21 points (6-12 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 6-7 FT), five rebounds, three assists and one block across 28 minutes during Wednesday's 122-116 loss to the Nuggets.

Jackson and the Grizzlies turned in a spirited performance, but it wasn't enough to upend the Nuggets. Jaren Jackson's departure has thrust GG Jackson into a starting role, and Wednesday's effort marked his highest scoring total since taking over the gig. Over five starts, he's averaging 13.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists.

Hardaway posted 21 points (7-8 FG, 4-5 3Pt, 3-4 FT) and three rebounds across 28 minutes during Wednesday's 122-116 win over the Grizzlies.

Hardaway is in the midst of a solid string of performances heading into the All-Star break. Over the past four games, he's averaged 18.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 0.8 assists. His scoring and rebounding averages during the stint are well above his seasonal averages in those categories. Absences from Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Peyton Watson (hamstring) are probable reasons for the boost.

Murray finished Wednesday's 122-116 win over the Grizzlies with 23 points (7-18 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 8-8 FT), six rebounds, seven assists and one block in 33 minutes.

Murray has been dealing with a hip injury over the past week, but he's cobbled together excellent performances despite the limitations. The veteran is playing at a high level heading into the All-Star break, averaging 25.2 points, 9.2 assists and 4.7 rebounds over six games in February.

Holiday provided 23 points (9-22 FG, 5-11 3Pt), five rebounds and five assists over 30 minutes during Wednesday's 133-109 loss to Minnesota.

Holiday topped the 20-point mark for the third time in four games as he led Portland in scoring in defeat. He sank five threes in the loss, which matches his second-best performance from behind the arc this season. Portland was without Shaedon Sharpe due to a calf injury, opening the door for Holiday to see more scoring opportunities as of late.

McDaniels accumulated 21 points (7-13 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 5-6 FT), six rebounds, six assists, two blocks and two steals over 33 minutes during Wednesday's 133-109 win over the Trail Blazers.

McDaniels was impactful on both sides of the floor in a big win against Portland. It was his third game this season with at least six rebounds and six assists. On defense, he collected two steals and two blocks, reflecting his status as one of the league's top defenders.

Edwards finished with 14 points (5-10 FG, 4-6 3Pt), four rebounds, two assists, one block and two steals in 33 minutes during Wednesday's 133-109 victory over the Trail Blazers.

Edwards is among the league's most potent scorers, averaging 29.3 points per game, but he finished with only 14 in the win over Portland. He was highly efficient from deep, connecting on four of six attempts from three. He has made at least four threes in three of his past four games.

Smith recorded up three points (1-3 FG, 1-3 FT), three rebounds and two assists in 15 minutes during Wednesday's 113-95 win over the Raptors.

With Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart both suspended, Smith entered the rotation as the backup to center Paul Reed, who entered the starting five in Duren's stead. The appearance was just Smith's sixth of the season with Detroit and his first at any level since Jan. 26, when he sustained a calf injury while playing for the G League's Motor City Cruise. Now healthy again, Smith should be part of the rotation for the Pistons' next game Feb. 19 versus the Knicks before Duren returns from his two-game ban Feb. 21 at Chicago.

Johnson (ankle) amassed 10 points (4-13 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 1-1 FT), three rebounds, two assists and two steals across 18 minutes during Wednesday's 138-113 loss to the Cavaliers.

Back in action following a six-game absence due to a left ankle sprain, Johnson stepped back into the starting five, sharing the backcourt with Bub Carrington. Before he had sustained the injury, Johnson had been starting ahead of Carrington at point guard, but the Wizards may be able to make room for both players on the top unit until Trae Young (knee) is ready to make his team debut. Regardless of how he's deployed coming out of the All-Star break, Johnson will likely see his minutes climb back into the 20s during the Wizards' next game Feb. 19 versus the Pacers.

Hardy posted 11 points (3-7 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), two rebounds and one assist in 15 minutes during Wednesday's 138-113 loss to the Cavaliers.

Hardy, who made his Washington debut after being acquired from Dallas at the trade deadline, put together a strong showing in limited playing time off the bench. Player development is going to be a big focus for the Wizards after the All-Star break, so additional opportunities may arise for the 23-year-old guard.

Cissoko (two-way) was a healthy inactive Wednesday in the Trail Blazers' 133-109 loss to the Timberwolves.

Cissoko has been a mainstay in the Portland rotation throughout the season, but because he's been active for 49 games this season, he's eligible to suit up just one more time this season while he remains signed to a two-way contract. Sean Highkin of Rip City Radio 620 Portland posits that Portland likely opted to keep Cissoko inactive Wednesday in order to use his final game of eligibility in its matchup with the Jazz on Thursday, when players such as Deni Avdija, Robert Williams and Scoot Henderson could be candidates to rest in the second leg of a back-to-back set. After Thursday's game, the Trail Blazers would then likely upgrade Cissoko to a standard contract to ensure he's available to play following the All-Star break.