NBA Player News

McConnell closed Friday's 114-113 loss to the Clippers with two points (1-1 FG), three rebounds and three assists over 13 minutes.

McConnell's playing time continues to trend in the wrong direction, as he's now played fewer than 15 minutes in back-to-back games. Although he was coming off a 17-point performance in a loss to the Lakers, McConnell simply isn't worth holding, given his lack of overall upside. Moving forward, he should only be rostered as an assists and steals specialist.

Dunn produced two points (1-6 FG, 0-2 3Pt), three rebounds, one assist and two steals across 21 minutes during Friday's 114-113 victory over Indiana.

Dun continues to produce on the defensive end, having now recorded at least two steals in five straight games. However, the rest of his numbers have been less than ideal, averaging just 4.2 points and 3.2 assists per game during that span. As has been the case for the majority of his career, Dunn should be considered nothing more than a steals specialist.

Collins logged five points (2-6 FG, 1-1 3Pt), six rebounds, one assist and two steals in 20 minutes during Friday's 114-113 victory over Indiana.

Despite continuing to start, Collins has seen his role reduced of late, having logged more than 25 minutes only twice in his past seven appearances. During that time, he has barely been a top-200 player, averaging 10.0 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 24.1 minutes per game. Although he does possess the upside to be a top-70 player, managers are well within their rights to move on from him, given his current role.

Strus posted 29 points (10-14 FG, 8-11 3Pt, 1-2 FT), eight rebounds and one assist over 23 minutes during the Cavaliers' 149-128 win over the Heat on Friday.

Strus helped the Cavaliers build a commanding lead early on, scoring 22 of his game-high 29 points in the first half. It was the third time in his NBA career that he connected on eight triples, and he was one shy from tying a career high he set Jan. 31, 2022, also against Miami. Friday's contest demonstrated Strus' value to the team, especially in games where either one or both of Donovan Mitchell and James Harden struggle from the field.

Saraf will come off the bench for Friday's game against the Lakers, Ryan Ward of SI.com reports.

Nolan Traore will replace Saraf in the first unit for Friday's game. As a reserve this season, Saraf has averaged 6.8 points, 3.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game.

Hayes won't start Friday's game against the Nets, Ryan Ward of SI.com reports.

With Deandre Ayton (back) returning to the lineup, Hayes will retreat to the second unit. The big man has averaged 5.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.0 blocks across 17.0 minutes per game over his last five appearances off the bench.

Mann will come off the bench in Friday's game versus the Lakers, Ryan Ward of SI.com reports.

Noah Clowney is back and starting, so Mann will retreat to the second unit. As a reserve this season, Mann owns averages of 6.1 points, 1.6 assists and 1.0 three-pointers per game.

Murray-Boyles won't return to Friday's game against the Pelicans due to back spasms, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports. He'll finish with nine points (3-5 FG, 3-4 FT), two rebounds and one block across 12 minutes.

Murray-Boyles won't play in the second half, opening the door for Sandro Mamukelashvili and Jonathan Mogbo to take on additional minutes the rest of the way. Murray-Boyles' next opportunity to play will come Sunday against the Magic.

Barrett (shoulder) has returned for the second half of Friday's game against the Pelicans, Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca reports.

Barrett left toward the end of the second quarter after injuring his left shoulder, but the veteran forward was given the green light to return to Friday's game. Barrett closed the first half with 10 points, four rebounds and three assists over 16 minutes.

Barrett exited to the locker room in the second quarter of Friday's game against the Pelicans due to an apparent left shoulder issue, Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Barrett exited to the locker room with 1:39 remaining in the second quarter after getting tangled up with Zion Williamson while fighting for a rebound. If Barrett is unable to return in the second half, Jamal Shead and Jamison Battle will likely help pick up the slack.