NBA Player News

Murphy totaled 21 points (8-15 FG, 5-11 3Pt, 0-1 FT), two rebounds, seven assists and one steal across 29 minutes during Monday's 120-94 victory over the Kings.

The fifth-year guard led the Pelicans in scoring on the night as he topped 20 points for a fourth straight contest and drained at least three three-pointers for a fifth straight. Over that five-game stretch, Murphy is averaging 27.4 points, 5.8 threes, 4.8 boards, 4.8 assists and 1.0 steals while shooting 50.5 percent from the floor and 49.2 percent from beyond the arc. Dejounte Murray (Achilles) began practicing with the team Sunday, but he still doesn't have a clear timeline for his season debut. As long as he remains out, Murphy will continue to be the primary backcourt option for New Orleans.

Cardwell closed Monday's 120-94 loss to the Pelicans with six points (3-5 FG), 11 rebounds, one assist, two blocks and two steals in 32 minutes off the bench.

The Kings were down by 15 at halftime and gave younger players like Caldwell plenty of run in the rout. The undrafted rookie center responded to the big workload by pulling down double-digit rebounds for a fourth straight game, a stretch in which he's averaging 9.3 points, 11.8 boards, 1.8 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.0 steals in 28.5 minutes. Domantas Sabonis (back) has been on the shelf for three of those contests, but even once he's healthy, Sacramento seems likely to prioritize the development of youngsters like Caldwell given the team's league-worst 12-43 record.

Westbrook chipped in 17 points (7-17 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), two rebounds and two assists across 21 minutes during Monday's 120-94 loss to the Pelicans.

The Kings continue to monitor Westbrook's workload in the wake of a foot injury he suffered in late January, and the 37-year-old guard has played 26 minutes or fewer in three of four games since returning to the lineup. During that span, he's averaged 14.3 points, 5.3 assists, 2.5 boards and 2.3 threes in just 24.8 minutes a contest. With Sacramento holding the worst record in the NBA at 12-43 and headed for the top of the lottery, Westbrook could be one of the veterans who find their usage scaled back for the remainder of the season, even if he's fully healthy.

Edwards amassed 12 points (3-5 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 4-4 FT), four rebounds, two assists and three steals in 24 minutes during Monday's 135-118 loss to Portland.

After limited work as an injury replacement last season, Edwards has popped for a few productive games with the parent club during his second year with the Sixers. He's bounced back and forth between the NBA and the G League this season, but he figures to stick with the parent club until the team gets Paul George (suspension) back.

Oubre ended Monday's 135-118 loss to Portland with 19 points (6-13 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 4-4 FT), four rebounds, one assist, two blocks and four steals over 36 minutes.

Oubre turned in another solid line as Paul George's (suspension) direct replacement. Oubre's season-high four steals added to a diverse stat line that included two blocked shots. Oubre also came close to 20 points, a benchmark he's surpassed four times this season.

Maxey finished with 30 points (10-21 FG, 2-9 3Pt, 8-8 FT), one rebound, four assists and one steal in 32 minutes during Monday's 135-118 loss to the Trail Blazers.

Maxey enjoyed his usual prolific production, but it wasn't enough to withstand the Trail Blazers' brilliant performance. Everyone in the starting lineup scored in double digits, but only Kelly Oubre finished well beyond that benchmark. While Maxey has gotten ample support from his teammates recently, the rest of the first unit produced only 53 points in the losing effort, as the unit continues to struggle whenever Joel Embiid (knee) isn't in the lineup.

Henderson contributed 12 points (2-5 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 8-10 FT), two rebounds, seven assists and one steal in 20 minutes during Monday's 135-118 win over Philadelphia.

The Trail Blazers added Jrue Holiday this past offseason due partly to Scoot Henderson's health, but the team still views the 2023 first-round pick as its point guard of the future. Things haven't gone according to plan for the youngster, but it's easy to forget that he came directly out of high school and just turned 22 last week. His recent results indicate a promising return to health, but a promotion to the starting lineup is unlikely this season.

Clingan contributed 15 points (6-10 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 0-2 FT), seven rebounds, three assists and four blocks across 28 minutes during Monday's 135-118 win over the 76ers.

Clingan enjoyed an efficient night against the Sixers, who had to manage without Joel Embiid (rest). Embiid's absence created an exploitable opportunity for Clingan, who was able to keep Andre Drummond under wraps. Clingan failed to hit the double-double milestone after reaching it three consecutive times, but the second-year pro has several to his credit. He currently ranks 13th in the league with 20 double-doubles.

Avdija produced 26 points (8-16 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 8-10 FT), 10 rebounds, eight assists, one block and two steals in 27 minutes during Monday's 135-118 win over the 76ers.

The Trail Blazers look like contenders when Avdija is in the lineup, and although the team was led by a career night from Toumani Camara, Avdija logged a brilliant output in his return from a four-game absence due to a back strain. The standout should get the rest he needs during the All-Star break, and his full participation will enhance Portland's odds of snagging a postseason opportunity.

Reaves supplied 16 points (6-14 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 3-3 FT), two rebounds, seven assists and one steal across 29 minutes during Monday's 119-110 loss to the Thunder.

Reaves was limited to 29 minutes from the bench, but he was able to make a noticeable impact in the contest. Recaves should be set to rejoin the starting lineup following the All-Star break, but the team will ease him back slowly to avoid aggravation of his calf injury.