NBA Player News

Carter recorded 18 points (6-13 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 4-5 FT), four rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal over 27 minutes during Saturday's 132-126 loss to the Cavaliers.

Carter saw more time on the court due to Zach LaVine's (finger) absence, and the Kings seem content to kick the tires for depth ahead of the break. The 2024 first-round pick hasn't done much in his second season with the Kings, but the team's reluctance to include him in trade talks indicates a strong desire to keep him in the fold. Unless the Kings make drastic changes and choose to bench their veterans, Carter's best chances to contribute are still a season away.

Plowden finished Saturday's 132-126 loss to the Cavaliers with 16 points (6-11 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT), six rebounds, four assists and one steal across 39 minutes.

Plowden recently rejoined the parent club after another stint with the Kings' Stockton affiliate in the G League. The move appears to be Sacramento's first acknowledgment of a lost season and a willingness to take stock of its younger players. The Bowling Green product has bounced among several different teams since going undrafted in 2022, but he's developed his skills in G League competition and landed with a squad that's building a youthful core alongside a solid group of veterans.

Clifford produced 30 points (12-19 FG, 5-9 3Pt, 1-2 FT), four rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two steals across 40 minutes during Saturday's 132-126 loss to the Cavaliers.

Clifford had an excellent outing while filling in for Zach LaVine (finger). While the rookie hasn't done enough to merit ROY consideration, the 2025 first-round pick is set to see more time due to the key departures of Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder. Since Sacramento's playoff aspirations are shot, the team may opt to move Clifford past Malik Monk in the rotation and give the rookie more opportunities. He's worth a stash in deeper leagues.

Merrill closed Saturday's 132-126 victory over the Kings with two points (0-6 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), one rebound and two assists in 24 minutes.

Although Merrill's shot was off, his low total could be a sign of things to come for the sixth-year pro, who seems less comfortable at the wing. While the Cavs possess a strong rotation, Evan Mobley's absence has required more interior support from Jaylon Tyson, who should end up as the top option at the position. Dean Wade (ankle) is probably a better answer right now, and the team may go in that direction when Wade returns. Merrill's fortunes will diminish even further when Mobley rejoins the rotation.

Allen racked up 29 points (11-12 FG, 7-8 FT), 10 rebounds and one assist across 33 minutes during Saturday's 132-126 victory over the Kings.

Allen is reaping huge dividends during Evan Mobley's (calf) extended absence, and his solid efforts have resulted in an impressive string of wins. Allen recorded his third consecutive double-double during the win, and that streak corresponds with his averages since Mobley's injury. Over the last five games, he's averaged 21.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.2 blocks.

Mitchell notched 35 points (13-24 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 7-7 FT), two rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two steals over 35 minutes during Saturday's 132-126 victory over Sacramento.

Although James Harden's debut dominated the news before the game, Mitchell delivered with a team-high scoring total as he welcomed the veteran into the starting lineup. Although things may be shaky at first, early signs indicate Mitchell and Harden will complement each other as the team makes another playoff drive. Darius Garland (toe) commanded a lot of attention during his time playing alongside Mitchell, but Harden's ability to create his own opportunities will allow Mitchell to direct the offense and relieve a bit more pressure than the injury-riddled Garland could provide.

Anderson registered 11 points (5-6 FG, 1-3 FT), six rebounds, two assists, two blocks and two steals in 27 minutes during Saturday's 122-115 loss to the Trail Blazers.

The Grizzlies will try to see what sticks in the frontcourt as they move forward without Jaren Jackson's services. Santi Aldama's (knee) eventual return will likely shift the narrative, but Anderson is one of a few options that the team is utilizing under the basket. Anderson was somewhat effective, but he ceded several minutes to Olivier-Maxence Prosper, who is making his presence known in his third pro season.

Small ended with 22 points (7-10 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 6-6 FT), six rebounds, four assists and one block across 28 minutes during Saturday's 122-115 loss to the Trail Blazers.

Ja Morant's (elbow) extended absence has sent ripples through Memphis' rotation, and it's resulted in meaningful minutes for Small off the bench. A turf toe injury stymied Small's league debut earlier in the season, but the team's decision to keep the rookie with the parent club could begin to pay dividends as they navigate a campaign that seems to be the beginning of a rebuild.

Prosper ended with 25 points (9-13 FG, 7-8 3Pt) and five rebounds over 25 minutes during Saturday's 122-115 loss to Portland.

Prosper is well positioned to succeed after Jaren Jackson's trade, and although he's still coming off the bench, he's getting his first real chance as a daily contributor in the league. A return to the G League is highly unlikely for Prosper, who should be a key part of Memphis' rebuilding effort as the team's playoff hopes fade.

Holiday ended Saturday's 122-115 victory over the Grizzlies with 21 points (8-13 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 1-2 FT), two rebounds and four assists over 27 minutes.

Although Holiday has missed two games since his 27-game absence, he's been relatively steady since his return. He's disappointed with a few uninspiring scoring totals, but Holiday has averaged 13.1 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.6 rebounds over the past 12 games.