NBA Player News

Wells closed with 23 points (7-15 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 6-6 FT), two rebounds, two assists, one block and two steals over 32 minutes during Thursday's 120-112 loss to Dallas.

Wells posted a team-high 23 points, marking his second 20-point game over his past five appearances, which is notable because he has only seven such games across 64 appearances this season. While not prolific, Wells has been steady since the All-Star break, averaging 15.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.3 steals in 26.1 minutes per game. He hasn't missed a game since Feb. 7.

Williams finished with 12 points (4-8 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 4-4 FT), eight rebounds, five assists, two blocks and two steals over 28 minutes during Thursday's 120-112 win over Memphis.

Williams has scored in double figures in 12 straight appearances, missing only one game during that stretch while averaging 15.0 points, 4.6 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 1.2 stocks with 51/31/79 shooting splits. He's come off the bench in four straight contests, but his 28 minutes Thursday snapped a three-game streak of playing fewer than 20 minutes, and it was his most playing time since Feb. 24.

Gafford contributed 22 points (9-12 FG, 4-7 FT), 14 rebounds, one assist and one block in 27 minutes during Thursday's 120-112 win over Memphis.

Gafford has double-doubled in four straight appearances and scored at least 20 points in two of his past three games. While the veteran big man has been productive, he hasn't played more than 30 minutes since Feb. 5, and he continues to sit out at least one half of back-to-back sets. He could be on the sidelines Friday against Cleveland, but Dallas hasn't released an injury report yet.

Barnes finished Thursday's 136-131 loss to the Nuggets with 20 points (6-10 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 6-7 FT), seven rebounds, one assist and one steal in 27 minutes.

After missing five straight games due to a left ankle impingement, Barnes appeared rejuvenated in his return to the lineup. There is a lot of competition for touches in San Antonio, but Barnes picked up some shots due to Victor Wembanyama (ankle) sitting this one out.

Caruso posted seven points (3-11 FG, 1-8 3Pt), four rebounds, two assists, one block and two steals in 23 minutes during Thursday's 104-102 victory over Boston.

Caruso returned to the rotation following a two-game absence related to a hip issue. He's played a modest role over his last five appearances, posting averages of 6.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.6 steals in 20.8 minutes per contest.

Pippen will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season after undergoing a sesamoidectomy to address ongoing discomfort in his right big toe, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports Friday.

Pippen had no return timetable after his initial injury diagnosis, and the Grizzlies have no incentive to rush him back, so shutting him down isn't surprising. It's unclear what Pippen's offseason will look like, but he should be back to full strength by training camp next season. He missed the beginning of the campaign after undergoing surgery on his left big toe, so Pippen will finish his third year in Memphis with averages of 11.4 points, 4.7 assists, 2.2 rebounds and 1.9 steals across only 10 appearances (six starts). He's under contract for at least one more season before a club option in 2027-28.

Ayton registered 23 points (10-13 FG, 3-6 FT), 10 rebounds and one assist in 37 minutes during Thursday's 142-130 victory over the Bulls.

The double-double was Ayton's second straight, and his 20th of the season -- a mark he's reached in all eight of his NBA seasons. A sore knee has been costing Ayton court time since the All-Star break, and over his last 11 appearances, the 27-year-old center is averaging 10.2 points, 7.7 boards and 1.1 combined blocks and steals in 24.2 minutes.

Porter (knee) contributed six points (3-8 FG, 0-1 3Pt), seven rebounds, five assists and three steals across 28 minutes during Thursday's 112-105 loss to the Heat.

Back in action after missing the Bucks' previous four games due to right knee synovitis, Porter returned to the starting five but handled a more muted role than usual. He took on a 17.9 percent usage rate, well below his season-long mark of 24.0 percent. Porter should see his playing time and usage pick up a bit as he becomes further removed from the injury, though with a back-to-back set coming up for Milwaukee, he could end up sitting out either Saturday in Atlanta or Sunday at home versus the Pacers.

James contributed 18 points (7-13 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 4-6 FT), seven rebounds, seven assists, one block and two steals over 33 minutes during Thursday's 142-130 victory over Chicago.

After missing three straight matchups due to hip and foot injuries, James was back in action Thursday and managed to shoulder a sizable workload for the Lakers. He's been solid over his last five outings, posting averages of 20.2 points, 7.2 assists, 5.4 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.0 blocks.

Reaves amassed 30 points (13-20 FG, 4-7 3Pt), five rebounds, seven assists and one steal in 39 minutes during Thursday's 142-130 victory over the Bulls.

The fifth-year guard hit for at least 25 points in a third straight game as he begins to find his form again. Over 12 games since returning to the Lakers' starting five following the All-Star break, Reaves is averaging 20.2 points, 4.3 assists, 4.2 boards, 2.3 threes and 1.3 steals while shooting 43.1 percent from beyond the arc.