NBA Player News
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Grant Nelson PF | BKN
Nets' Grant Nelson: Signs 10-day deal with Nets
Nelson signed a 10-day contract with the Nets on Friday, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports.
Nelson averaged 11.0 points on 55 percent shooting from the field and 6.0 rebounds per game with the G League's Long Island Nets. Brooklyn requires some emergency depth, so it will be interesting to see if Nelson can find some minutes.
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AJ Johnson PG | DAL
Mavericks' AJ Johnson: Adds double digits off bench
Johnson had 11 points (4-4 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), two rebounds and one assist in 15 minutes during Thursday's 130-121 loss to the Kings.
Johnson logged substantial minutes for the first time since being dealt to the Mavericks. He didn't see many opportunities on the offensive end, but he went perfect from the field and scored in double digits for the first time since Feb. 3. Johnson still faces plenty of competition for playing time in the backcourt, but it's worth noting that Tyus Jones has played 12 minutes or fewer in three straight games, which could open up chances for Johnson and others.
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Naji Marshall SG | DAL
Mavericks' Naji Marshall: Tallies 36 points in loss
Marshall logged 36 points (14-23 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 7-11 FT), 10 rebounds and six assists across 42 minutes during Thursday's 130-121 loss to the Kings.
Marshall put the Mavericks on his shoulders Thursday evening, but his strong scoring effort wasn't enough to secure a victory. The 28-year-old was heavily featured due to the absences of Cooper Flagg (foot), P.J. Washington (ankle) and Daniel Gafford (ankle). Marshall set season highs in minutes and points, and he also secured his first double-double since Jan. 24.
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Devin Carter SG | SAC
Kings' Devin Carter: Scores 15 in spot start
Carter logged 15 points (6-13 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 3-6 FT), seven rebounds, five assists and four steals over 32 minutes during Thursday's 130-121 win over the Mavericks.
Carter joined the starting five Thursday, with Russell Westbrook (thigh) out of commission. The 23-year-old responded with a solid all-around line, as he set a new season high in rebounds while tying his season best in assists. Carter could be worth a streaming look until Westbrook makes his way back from injury, which could arrive as early as Sunday in Los Angeles.
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Nique Clifford SG | SAC
Kings' Nique Clifford: Solid final line in victory
Clifford posted 13 points (6-19 FG, 1-6 3Pt), eight rebounds, seven assists, one block and two steals across 39 minutes during Thursday's 130-121 win over the Mavericks.
Clifford had a tough time getting his shot to fall, but his sheer volume helped him score in double digits for a third straight game. He also dished out a career-high seven assists. Clifford jumped into the starting lineup Thursday with Keegan Murray (ankle) and Russell Westbrook (thigh) sidelined, but the rookie figures to return to a bench role once Sacramento shakes the injury bug.
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Nicolas Batum PF | LAC
Clippers' Nicolas Batum: Scoreless in starting role
Batum posted zero points (0-1 FG, 0-1 3Pt), six rebounds, three assists and one steal in 26 minutes during Thursday's 94-88 loss to the Timberwolves.
Although Batum logged six rebounds, he was a non-existent element on offense during the loss. Batum logged only one shot attempt, an effort that is unacceptable for a squad struggling to stay in playoff contention. John Collins' (head) impending return should right the ship, and his re-insertion would move Batum back to the bench.
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Precious Achiuwa PF | SAC
Kings' Precious Achiuwa: Pours in career-high 29 points
Achiuwa chipped in 29 points (13-19 FG, 3-3 3Pt), 12 rebounds, four assists, one block and three steals over 33 minutes during Thursday's 130-121 victory over Dallas.
Achiuwa led the Kings in scoring and rebounding, and he contributed on the defensive end after failing to record either a block or a steal in his last showing Wednesday against Houston. The Memphis product has made seven straight starts for Sacramento and is averaging 14.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.9 steals in 26.7 minutes per game during this stretch.
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Bennedict Mathurin SF | LAC
Clippers' Bennedict Mathurin: Posts 14 points in loss
Mathurin closed with 14 points (4-14 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 6-8 FT), six rebounds, two assists and one steal across 34 minutes during Thursday's 94-88 loss to Minnesota.
Mathurin's nightly totals have softened the impact of departures from James Harden and Ivica Zubac, but he didn't provide enough pop to get the Clippers past the Timberwolves. Mathurin has been an essential part of the offense, averaging 20.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.7 blocks since joining the team.
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Derrick Jones Jr. SF | LAC
Clippers' Derrick Jones: Scores team-high 18 points
Jones finished Thursday's 94-88 loss to the Timberwolves with 18 points (7-11 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 3-5 FT), one rebound, one assist, two blocks and one steal over 32 minutes.
The team didn't do enough to account for Kawhi Leonard's (ankle) absence, as the Clippers posted their second-lowest total of the season despite a decent line from Jones. Although the addition of Bennedict Mathurin has been significant, Jones has served well as a frequent fill-in for Leonard and will usually post viable totals when the All-Star is absent.
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Donte DiVincenzo SG | MIN
Timberwolves' Donte DiVincenzo: Pours in 18 points
DiVincenzo finished Thursday's 94-88 win over the Clippers with 18 points (6-13 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three rebounds, four assists and two steals over 31 minutes.
DiVincenzo logged a solid total, drilling four three-pointers alongside decent secondary numbers. He's enjoyed a productive four-game run since the All-Star break, averaging 14.3 points, 5.0 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists over the span.