NBA Player News
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Nolan Traore PG | BKN
Nets' Nolan Traore: Gets back on track
Traore logged 17 points (5-11 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 6-6 FT), one rebound, three assists, one block and two steals across 27 minutes during Friday's 105-86 loss to the Thunder.
Traore entered the All-Star break riding a hot stretch of play but cooled off once regular play resumed. The rookie first-rounder got back on track Friday, scoring 17 points against the Thunder along with a block and two steals on the defensive end. It marked his fourth time scoring 17 or more points so far in his career, all within the past month.
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Jordan Poole SG | NO
Pelicans' Jordan Poole: Resurfaces in rotation
Poole posted three points (1-6 FG, 1-4 3Pt), four rebounds and three assists across 25 minutes Friday in the Pelicans' 139-118 loss to the Bucks.
After going unused in each of the Pelicans' last nine games, Poole was dusted off and inserted into the rotation as New Orleans looked to add some more offensive firepower to the mix while Trey Murphy (shoulder) was sidelined. Despite seeing a healthy minutes total off the bench, Poole failed to deliver much of a spark. The Pelicans could get Murphy back for the second leg of their back-to-back set Saturday versus the 76ers, and Dejounte Murray (Achilles) is also drawing closer to his season debut, so Poole could find himself back outside of the rotation in short order.
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Leonard Miller SF | CHI
Bulls' Leonard Miller: Back with parent club
The Bulls recalled Miller from the G League's Windy City Bulls on Saturday.
Miller will be available off the bench for the Bulls in Saturday's game against the Pistons, but the third-year forward is unlikely to be featured in the rotation. He received extended playing time for Windy City in its 141-135 loss to Raptors 905 on Friday, finishing with 16 points (7-9 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 1-2 FT), four rebounds, two steals, one assist and one block in 30 minutes.
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Kadary Richmond SG | WAS
Kadary Richmond: Contract with Washington expires
Richmond's 10-day contract with the Wizards expired following Friday's 131-118 win over the Pacers, Keith Smith of Spotrac.com reports.
Richmond was part of the Washington rotation for all three games over the course of his 10-day deal, averaging 8.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.7 steals in 22.0 minutes per contest while shooting 62.5 percent from the field. Washington could look to re-sign Richmond to a second 10-day deal ahead of its next game Sunday versus Charlotte, but for the time being, the undrafted rookie out of St. John's is a free agent.
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Lawson Lovering C | MEM
Lawson Lovering: Contract with Memphis expires
Lovering became a free agent following the Grizzlies' 123-114 win over the Jazz on Friday after his 10-day contract expired, Keith Smith of Spotrac.com reports.
The undrafted rookie out of Utah picked up his first NBA start Friday and appeared in two of the Grizzlies' three games over the course of his 10-day deal, averaging 7.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.5 blocks in 24.5 minutes per contest. The Grizzlies are still likely to be shorthanded in the frontcourt heading into Saturday's matchup with the Heat, so Lovering could end up being re-signed to a second 10-day deal ahead of that contest.
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Brook Lopez C | LAC
Clippers' Brook Lopez: Records double-double in loss
Lopez accumulated 16 points (7-12 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 1-1 FT), 10 rebounds, one assist, three blocks and two steals across 35 minutes during Friday's 125-122 loss to the Lakers.
Lopez was forced to play a larger role on offense after John Collins (head) went down with an injury in the second quarter. Lopez recorded his third double-double of the season, and Ivica Zubac's (ankle) departure should allow Lopez to hit the milestone more frequently.
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Bennedict Mathurin SF | LAC
Clippers' Bennedict Mathurin: Continues strong production in loss
Mathurin had 26 points (7-16 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 11-14 FT), seven rebounds and two assists in 32 minutes before fouling out of Friday's 125-122 loss to the Lakers.
Mathurin kept the good vibes going after blowing up for 38 points against the Nuggets Thursday evening. The Clippers lost Kawhi Leonard (ankle) and John Collins (head) during Friday's loss, and opportunities should increase dramatically for Mathurin if the injuries force extended absences in the first unit.
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LeBron James SF | LAL
Lakers' LeBron James: Records double-double in victory
James racked up 13 points (5-13 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three rebounds, 11 assists and one steal across 33 minutes during Friday's 125-122 win over the Clippers.
James excelled in his role as a facilitator on offense, recording his fifth consecutive double-digit assist total during the victory. With the lineup back to full health, James should serve as the third scoring option while delivering the ball often to his supporting cast. He'll also show up with high-scoring totals on occasion as the team makes its playoff push.
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Austin Reaves SG | LAL
Lakers' Austin Reaves: Hits for 29 points with first unit
Reaves ended with 29 points (9-15 FG, 4-5 3Pt, 7-7 FT), six rebounds, two assists and two steals over 33 minutes during Friday's 125-122 win over the Clippers.
Reaves was a welcome addition to the starting lineup after a minute restriction relegated him to backup duties for five games before the All-Star break. Reaves showed no ill effects from the calf injury that limited him, joining Luka Doncic to contribute 67 of the team's 125 points. Reaves was averaging a stellar 26.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds before his extended absence, and the Lakers hope his return to health will yield similar results.
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Luka Doncic PG | LAL
Lakers' Luka Doncic: Logs huge double-double Friday
Doncic posted 38 points (11-25 FG, 8-14 3Pt, 8-11 FT), 11 assists, six rebounds, three steals and one block across 38 minutes during Friday's 125-122 victory over the Clippers.
Doncic had missed the Lakers' previous four games due to a left hamstring strain, but aside from making a brief cameo in Sunday's All-Star Game, the 26-year-old guard was able to get enough time to rest up and recover during the midseason break to return to action Friday without any restrictions. His 38 points marked his highest scoring total since putting up 46 against the Bulls on Jan. 26. The Lakers now have a clean injury report and are working with their intended starting lineup, which should play in Doncic's favor as the team makes its playoff push.