NBA Player News

Ball contributed 18 points (6-15 FG, 5-12 3Pt, 1-2 FT), six rebounds, nine assists and two steals over 30 minutes during Friday's 129-108 win over the Pacers.

The Hornets have now won eight of their last 10 games and boast 18 victories of at least 20 points, a new franchise record. Ball has been balling since the All-Star break with averages of 20.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 4.0 triples, 1.3 steals and just 2.1 turnovers per contest, which has been good enough for top-30 value in 9-cat leagues.

Brown recorded 12 points (5-10 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-2 FT), nine rebounds and four assists across 28 minutes during Friday's 129-108 loss to the Hornets.

Brown has been playing well over the past four games, posting averages of 14.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.5 triples and 0.8 steals per contest. Siakam exited Friday's game with a back injury, so if he needs to sit out Sunday's meeting with the Cavaliers, Brown could see more shots falling his way.

Huff amassed 12 points (5-18 FG, 2-10 3Pt), six rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal across 24 minutes during Friday's 129-108 loss to the Hornets.

Huff set a new career high in shot attempts but made only five of them in the blowout loss. That said, Pascal Siakam left the game with a back injury, so if he can't play Sunday in Cleveland, Huff could be forced into a featured role on offense.

Siakam (back) supplied 30 points (13-24 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 2-3 FT), seven rebounds, two assists and two steals in 34 minutes during Friday's 129-108 loss to the Hornets.

Siakam rolled his left ankle and tweaked his back late in the game, which ended his evening prematurely. He didn't require a trip to the locker room, but this could be the sort of injury that swells up overnight, so don't be surprised if he pops up on the injury report ahead of Sunday's game in Cleveland. If Siakam needs to miss a game, Obi Toppin could get a start, and there would be more opportunities for Kobe Brown and Jay Huff on offense.

Ryan sustained a lip laceration that required stitches but is available to return to Friday's game against Boston.

Ryan checked out with 5:09 remaining in the third quarter, though he's available to return in the fourth for the shorthanded Bucks.

Mashack is doubtful to return to Friday's game against the Raptors due to neck soreness.

Mashack finished the second quarter but is unlikely to return during the second half. Adama Bal and Dariq Whitehead are candidates to pick up the slack while Mashack is sidelined.

Smith exited to the locker room in the third quarter of Friday's game against the Jazz due to an apparent facial injury, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.

Smith took a shot to the face and checked out with 5:54 remaining in the third before eventually heading back to the locker room. The 22-year-old power forward can be considered questionable to return until more information comes to light.

Missi is in the starting lineup for Friday's matchup with the Kings, James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento reports.

Joining Missi in the first unit for Friday's game will be Herbert Jones, Trey Murphy, Saddiq Bey and Zion Williamson. Across 12 starts this season, MIssi has averaged 6.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.9 swats per contest.

Clowney was ejected in the third quarter of Friday's game against the Hawks after being assessed two technical fouls, Erik Slater of ClutchPoints.com reports. He'll finish with 12 points (4-7 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 4-4 FT), four rebounds, one assist and one steal across 21 minutes.

Clowney was handed a technical following a scuffle with an opposing player, and he earned his second after appearing to say something to an official. Josh Minott and Chaney Johnson are candidates to pick up the slack for the remainder of the contest.

Murphy (ankle) is available for Friday's game in Sacramento.

As expected, Murphy will suit up for a second consecutive contest following a three-game absence due to a right ankle sprain. Over 13 appearances since March 1, the 25-year-old wing has averaged 19.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals in 35.2 minutes per showing.