NBA Player News

Yabusele closed with 16 points (6-15 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 1-2 FT), six rebounds, two assists and one block over 37 minutes during Thursday's 105-103 win over the Suns.

Yabusele managed to score 16 points, but it took him 15 attempts from the field to do so. He was also less productive on the glass after recording a double-double in his previous matchup Tuesday against OKC. While this was far from an efficient night, Yabusele continues to see significant usage while the Bulls navigate without Jalen Smith (calf) and Patrick Williams (quadriceps).

Strawther closed Thursday's 120-113 victory over the Lakers with 18 points (6-10 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 4-5 FT), two rebounds and one steal over 29 minutes.

The third-year forward has started 11 straight games dating back to Feb. 7, but Strawther's production has been erratic of late as he's scored in single digits in three of the last six. Over that 11-game stretch, he's averaging 12.7 points, 2.6 boards, 1.9 threes, 1.3 assists and 0.8 steals in 25.0 minutes. Strawther's role is likely to be reduced when Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Cameron Johnson (ankle) return to action.

Jones ended Thursday's 105-103 victory over the Suns with 21 points (9-15 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 2-3 FT), six rebounds, five assists and two steals over 29 minutes.

With Josh Giddey (ankle) and Matas Buzelis (ankle) sidelined, Jones was effective as a scorer in this one, turning in his best night on the boards since Jan. 20. He continues to look more comfortable while playing a key role in the Chicago rotation, as he's averaging 17.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists over his last four games.

Murray had 28 points (8-17 FG, 5-9 3Pt, 7-7 FT), four rebounds and seven assists over 38 minutes during Thursday's 120-113 win over the Lakers.

The 28 points tied Nikola Jokic for the high-water mark on the night. Murray has scored at least 20 points in four straight games and eight of his last nine, averaging 25.3 points, 5.4 assists, 4.6 boards, 3.6 threes and 0.9 steals over that stretch.

Hayes finished Thursday's 120-113 loss to Denver with 19 points (8-10 FG, 3-5 FT), five rebounds and two assists in 27 minutes off the bench.

Deandre Ayton (knee) was able to play only four minutes, opening the door for Hayes to see his biggest workload since Feb. 12 and set a new season scoring high. Hayes hasn't scored more than eight points in any of his prior six games, but if Ayton winds up missing more time, he's likely to be the biggest beneficiary in the Lakers' frontcourt.

Doncic totaled 27 points (11-24 FG, 3-10 3Pt, 2-4 FT), 11 rebounds, seven assists and four steals across 40 minutes during Thursday's 120-113 loss to the Nuggets.

The 27 points led the Lakers on the night, but Doncic didn't get enough help to steal a road win. The double-double was also his second straight and 29th of the season, putting him seventh in the NBA in that category. Over eight games since returning from a hamstring strain after the All-Star break, Doncic is averaging 29.3 points, 8.5 assists, 7.5 boards, 4.3 threes, 1.4 steals and 0.8 blocks.

James suffered a left elbow injury during the fourth quarter and was unable to finish Thursday's game against Denver, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports. He ended with 16 points (7-11 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), five rebounds, eight assists, three steals and one block in 34 minutes.

James was spotted receiving medical attention on the bench after going down hard in the fourth quarter, and while he was able to check back in with 2:05 remaining, he wasn't on the court for the last few possessions. After the game, coach JJ Redick noted that James was icing his elbow, and the discomfort he felt in the final period was severe enough to take him off the floor with the game on the line, per McMenamin. It remains to be seen whether James will be healthy enough to suit up for the second half of LA's back-to-back Friday against Indiana.

Ayton left Thursday's game against Denver due to left knee soreness, Dan Woike of The Athletic reports.

It appears that Ayton was able to avoid a serious injury. He'll presumably be re-evaluated Friday to determine his status for the second half of a back-to-back Friday against the Pacers.

Jokic totaled 28 points (10-15 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 8-8 FT), 12 rebounds, 13 assists, one steal and one block in 38 minutes during Thursday's 120-113 victory over the Lakers.

Jokic nearly committed double-digit turnovers, but he shot the ball with efficiency, which was evident by a perfect 8-for-8 night at the charity stripe. He also led the Nuggets in rebounds and assists. Jokic is averaging 27.6 points, 13.2 rebounds, 9.4 assists and 1.0 blocks over his last five matchups.

Booker recorded 27 points (9-21 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 7-7 FT), six rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block in 32 minutes during Thursday's 105-103 loss to the Bulls.

Booker was asked to lead the charge in the scoring column on a night when Jalen Green couldn't get his shot to fall. Booker answered the call and paced the Suns with 27 points, but more importantly, he logged 30-plus minutes and looked healthy in just his second game back from a right hip strain.