NBA Player News
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Ivica Zubac C | IND
Pacers' Ivica Zubac: Limited impact in Pacers debut
Zubac produced eight points (4-6 FG), six rebounds and two assists across 16 minutes during Thursday's 123-108 loss to the Suns.
Zubac was limited to 16 minutes in his Pacers debut, which had been on hold due to a sprained left ankle, but he made four of his six shots and also looked active on the glass. A 16-minute cameo isn't enough to see what Zubac might bring to the table, especially in a game where Pascal Siakam (knee) didn't play, but Zubac should stay as the Pacers' starter as long as he's healthy. It's unclear if Zubac will be available Friday on the second leg of a back-to-back set against the Knicks.
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Andrew Nembhard PG | IND
Pacers' Andrew Nembhard: Scores 23 points in return
Nembhard supplied 23 points (6-7 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 9-10 FT), two assists and one steal over 17 minutes during Thursday's 123-108 loss to the Suns.
Making his return from a one-game absence, Nembhard was extremely efficient from the floor and missed just one shot, although this outing didn't prevent the 15-point loss. Nembhard has been one of the most consistent players for the Pacers all season long. He's averaging 16.1 points, 6.1 assists and 1.8 rebounds across eight appearances since the All-Star break.
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Jalen Slawson SF | IND
Pacers' Jalen Slawson: Turns heads with loaded line
Slawson notched 10 points (3-9 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 3-4 FT), eight rebounds, five assists, one block and two steals across 32 minutes during Thursday's 123-108 loss to Phoenix.
Making just his second appearance at the NBA level this season, Slawson made the most of his playing time and recorded an impressive stat line. If he continues to see decent playing time off the bench, Slawson might be a player worth keeping close tabs on as a streaming alternative in deep formats. However, he won't have upside when the Pacers are at full strength, which they weren't close to Thursday.
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Royce O'Neale PF | PHO
Suns' Royce O'Neale: Drains five treys Thursday
O'Neale totaled 15 points (5-8 FG, 5-8 3Pt), three rebounds and one assist across 28 minutes during Thursday's 123-108 win over the Pacers.
O'Neale has been absolutely locked in from three-point range of late and has drained at least three three-pointers in three of his last four games. His role on offense is limited to being a spot-up shooter beyond the arc, but he'll retain strong fantasy value as long as he remains hot. O'Neale is making 40.3 percent of his three-pointers in 11 games since the All-Star break.
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Jalen Green SG | PHO
Suns' Jalen Green: Scores season-high 36 points
Green amassed 36 points (14-23 FG, 3-9 3Pt, 5-7 FT), three rebounds, four assists and four steals across 34 minutes during Thursday's 123-108 win over the Pacers.
Devin Booker stole the show with his 43-point performance, but Green turned heads as well with an impressive performance that also proved to be a season-high scoring output. Green seems to have shaken off the rust and has been playing at a high level of late, scoring at least 24 points in his last four appearances. Over that four-game stretch, Green is averaging 27.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.3 steals per contest.
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Devin Booker SG | PHO
Suns' Devin Booker: Explodes for 43 points Thursday
Booker ended with 43 points (14-31 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 11-11 FT), seven rebounds, five assists, one block and one steal in 35 minutes during Thursday's 123-108 win over Indiana.
Booker needed 31 shots to score 43 points, but he was extremely efficient across the board, going 4-for-7 from deep and draining all of his 11 shots from the charity stripe. Booker has been on a tear of late and has scored at least 27 points in five games in a row, averaging 31.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game over that span.
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Luka Doncic PG | LAL
Lakers' Luka Doncic: Drops 51 points in win
Doncic tallied 51 points (17-31 FG, 9-14 3Pt, 8-9 FT), 10 rebounds, nine assists, three steals and one block in 37 minutes during Thursday's 142-130 victory over Chicago.
Doncic turned in his first 50-point game as a Laker and fell just one assist shy of a second straight triple-double. The 27-year-old was particularly sharp from beyond the arc, where he'd been converting at a clip of 35.5 percent in his previous five games entering Thursday's matchup. Doncic has now attempted double-digit three-pointers in six consecutive outings and should continue to see plenty of volume going forward.
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Nikola Jokic C | DEN
Nuggets' Nikola Jokic: Powers way to triple-double
Jokic contributed 31 points (9-17 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 11-11 FT), 20 rebounds, 12 assists, two blocks and three steals across 39 minutes during Thursday's 136-131 victory over the Spurs.
The triple-double train continues on for Jokic, who has now recorded three straight. His strong effort across the board Thursday was just enough to help Denver squeak out a win against a San Antonio club that was without Victor Wembanyama (ankle). Jokic will aim to continue his stellar play Saturday against the Lakers, who he recorded a triple-double against March 5.
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Stephon Castle PG | SA
Spurs' Stephon Castle: Tallies third triple-double
Castle accumulated 30 points (7-15 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 12-13 FT), 11 rebounds and 10 assists in 35 minutes during Thursday's 136-131 loss to Denver.
Castle pieced together a strong showing on the offensive end and put up 30 or more points for just the third time in 56 appearances this season. Thursday also marked his third triple-double of the campaign, as he continues to prove that he can produce across the board on any given night. Castle is averaging 17.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and 8.2 assists over his last five games.
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Scotty Pippen Jr. PG | MEM
Grizzlies' Scotty Pippen: Requires surgery on toe
The Grizzlies announced Thursday that Pippen will undergo a sesamoidectomy to address discomfort in his right big toe and is without a timeline for a return.
The guard is expected to make a full recovery from the procedure, and while a timeline for his return hasn't been established, the non-contending Grizzlies will most likely hold him out for the remainder of the season. Pippen has been limited to just 10 appearances so far in 2025-26, after his season debut was delayed while he recovered from a October surgery on the big toe on his left foot. His absence should help open up extra opportunities in the backcourt for rookies Walter Clayton (ankle) and Javon Small.