NBA Player News
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Ethan Thompson SG | IND
Pacers' Ethan Thompson: Well-rounded outing in win
Thompson tallied 15 points (6-13 FG, 3-6 3Pt), five rebounds, three assists and three steals across 27 minutes in Wednesday's 115-110 win over the Nets.
A two-way player, Thompson joined the banged-up Pacers for the second half of their back-to-back set and made an impact. The 26-year-old guard recorded a career-high 15 points and was one of six Indiana players to score in double figures. He also set a new career high in steals, grabbing multiple swipes for the third time this season. While Thompson shouldn't be expected to enter the rotation on a regular basis, he may continue to play a role for the parent club whenever it sits key contributors.
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Cooper Flagg SF | DAL
Mavericks' Cooper Flagg: Sitting out Thursday
Flagg (foot) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Lakers.
Dallas had initially listed Flagg as doubtful for Thursday's contest, but he's now officially on track to sit out against the Lakers while he recovers from a left midfoot sprain. According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com, Flagg will also be held out of Friday's Rising Stars Game at All-Star weekend in Los Angeles, but the expectation is that he'll be ready to play when Dallas opens its second-half schedule Feb. 20 versus the Timberwolves.
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Jalen Johnson SF | ATL
Hawks' Jalen Johnson: Flirts with triple-double in return
Johnson totaled 19 points (7-15 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 4-5 FT), 13 rebounds, nine assists, one block and four steals across 34 minutes during Wednesday's 110-107 loss to the Hornets.
Johnson looked fresh in his return from a one-game absence, recording his 35th double-double of the season, which put him just one behind Karl-Anthony Towns for the most double-doubles in the league this year. This was also the third time this season that Johnson ripped away at least four steals in a game.
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Paolo Banchero PF | ORL
Magic's Paolo Banchero: Struggles with shot in loss
Banchero chipped in 17 points (5-16 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 5-8 FT), four rebounds and two assists over 39 minutes during Wednesday's 116-108 loss to Milwaukee.
Banchero haș been struggling with his shot over the past two games, converting just 8 of his 26 field-goal attempts, and this was his second straight game without recording any defensive statistics. Franz Wagner also had a tough time getting going Wednesday, finishing with five points (1-7 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three assists and two steals over 21 minutes in the eight-point loss.
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Desmond Bane SG | ORL
Magic's Desmond Bane: Nets 31 points with eight treys
Bane supplied 31 points (11-17 FG, 8-11 3Pt, 1-1 FT), two rebounds, five assists, one block and two steals over 39 minutes during Wednesday's 116-108 loss to the Bucks.
Bane was scorching to begin Wednesday's game, as he dropped in 20 points on eight shots in his first 10 minutes of play, and he wound up matching his career high in three-point makes. Bane has now scored 20-plus points in four straight, and the Magic have won three of their past four games.
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Jalen Suggs SG | ORL
Magic's Jalen Suggs: Double-doubles with seven stocks
Suggs supplied 16 points (5-14 FG, 4-11 3Pt, 2-2 FT), one rebound, 10 assists, three blocks and four steals across 35 minutes during Wednesday's 116-108 loss to the Bucks.
Suggs has been on a defensive rampage over the past four games, racking up a total of 16 steals and 10 blocks, and he's dished out double-digit dimes in three of those four appearances. Over that torrid four-game stretch, Suggs' gaudy contributions in assists, steals and blocks have him ranked No. 1 overall in fantasy leagues.
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Micah Potter PF | IND
Pacers' Micah Potter: Career-high 19 points in win
Potter posted 19 points (6-8 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 6-8 FT), 12 rebounds, two blocks, one assist and one steal across 27 minutes in Wednesday's 115-110 win over the Nets.
Potter shifted to a bench role after starting Tuesday's overtime win over New York, though he still saw significant playing time. The big man turned in an extremely efficient performance and finished as Indiana's second-leading scorer while setting a new career-high mark in points. He also grabbed a team- and season-high 12 boards, securing his third double-double on the campaign. Although the Wisconsin product has seen meaningful playing time of late, Ivica Zubac's (ankle) eventual return to action will likely eat into Potter's minutes.
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Kyle Kuzma PF | MIL
Bucks' Kyle Kuzma: Nets 15 points with seven boards
Kuzma registered 15 points (5-15 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 4-4 FT), seven rebounds and two assists across 30 minutes during Wednesday's 116-108 victory over Orlando.
Kuzma had attempted just eight shots over 49 total minutes across his previous two games, but he matched that number before halftime Wednesday, benefiting from Ryan Rollins' (foot) absence. With more opportunities flowing his way, Kuzma was noticeably more involved in the offense. If Rollins remains sidelined Thursday in Oklahoma City, Kuzma should once again see an expanded role.
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Kevin Porter PG | MIL
Bucks' Kevin Porter: Triple-doubles in win
Porter finished Wednesday's 116-108 victory over Orlando with 18 points (5-14 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 7-7 FT), 10 rebounds, 11 assists and two blocks in 39 minutes.
This marked Porter's second triple-double of the season and the fifth of his career. He appeared to tweak his right leg midway through the third quarter but managed to play through it without heading to the locker room. Still, it wouldn't be surprising if he lands on the injury report ahead of Thursday's matchup with the Thunder. Until then, managers can operate under the assumption that no news is good news.
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Cam Thomas SG | MIL
Bucks' Cam Thomas: Scores 34 points with four treys
Thomas accumulated 34 points (12-20 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 6-6 FT), four rebounds and two assists over 25 minutes during Wednesday's 116-108 victory over the Magic.
Thomas was held to just four points on 1-for-5 shooting across 13 minutes in his Bucks' debut Monday, but with Ryan Rollins (foot) unavailable for Wednesday's game, Thomas was much more involved in the rotation, and he took full advantage of the increased opportunity. He was in the closing lineup and hit a deep, dagger triple with 20 seconds left to seal the deal for Milwaukee, so it'll be interesting to see if Thomas can keep it going Thursday in a tough matchup against the Thunder.