NBA Player News

Williams (hamstring) tallied 13 points (4-5 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 4-4 FT), three rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block across 17 minutes in Friday's 127-102 loss to the Timberwolves.

After completing his recovery from a hamstring strain that sidelined him for Portland's first eight games of the season, Williams was cleared to play ahead of Monday's game against the Pelicans, but he didn't see any minutes in that contest. He again went unused in Thursday's 118-105 loss to the Spurs, but head coach Chauncey Billups opened up room in the rotation for Williams on the second leg of the back-to-back set. Though Williams is best suited for playing center, he saw some time at power forward Friday alongside rookie center Donovan Clingan. Williams produced well during his time on the court and even knocked down the first three-pointer of his career, which could inspire Billups to keep deploying Williams alongside either Clingan or starting center Deandre Ayton. While Williams has been a strong per-minute performer throughout his career, the Trail Blazers could look to keep him under 20 minutes in most games in an effort to manage his health after injuries have limited him to just 41 total appearances over the prior two seasons.

Jokic registered 30 points (11-13 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 7-7 FT), 11 rebounds, 14 assists and two steals in 40 minutes during Friday's 135-122 victory over Miami.

Jokic has recorded three straight triple-doubles. During that stretch, the three-time MVP has averaged 27.0 points, 15.0 rebounds, 14.3 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.3 blocks in 39.0 minutes per game.

Lopez notched seven points (3-5 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 1-2 FT), three rebounds and one assist in 24 minutes during Friday's 116-94 loss to New York.

After averaging 10.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.4 blocks and 1.1 steals in 31.6 minutes per game over his first seven appearances, Lopez has totaled only eight points, eight rebounds, two steals and one block over his last two appearances. The veteran's 24 minutes Friday tied a season-low mark.

Sabonis accumulated 23 points (9-12 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 12 rebounds, six assists and one steal in 38 minutes during Friday's 107-98 loss to the Clippers.

Another game, another double-double or better for Sabonis, who has reeled off eight straight after falling two boards short in the Kings' season opener. The 28-year-old big has seen his usage rate drop a little with DeMar DeRozan in the mix for Sacramento, but Sabonis has compensated with even better efficiency, and he's on pace to post career bests with a 64.4 percent FG% and 84.3 percent FT%.

Zubac contributed 13 points (6-9 FG, 1-2 FT), 15 rebounds, five assists and two blocks over 37 minutes during Friday's 107-98 victory over Sacramento.

The 27-year-old center has five double-doubles in nine games to begin the season, and Zubac has pulled down double-digit boards in two other contests. He's en route to a breakout campaign, averaging career highs in points (16.7), rebounds (12.8) and assists (3.0) while chipping in 1.5 combined steals and blocks a game.

Sengun amassed 11 points (3-12 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 5-6 FT), nine rebounds, six assists and one steal over 27 minutes during Friday's 126-107 loss to Oklahoma City.

Sengun lost the battle with Chet Holmgren in the paint, although he did end the day with a high rebound total. Steven Adams' return to action will provide Sengun with much-needed relief, as he's carried a heavy load in Houston's undersized first unit.

Holmgren totaled 29 points (8-14 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 9-10 FT), five rebounds, one assist and three blocks in 29 minutes during Friday's 126-107 victory over Houston.

The Thunder have struggled a bit offensively, but when Holmgrean and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are dialed in at he same time, an excellent team result usually follows. Holmgren has registered double-digit rebounds four times this season, and his five-rebound result Friday was a bit of an outlier. Despite Friday's low number, Holmgren is a nightly double-double threat who will also add his share of blocked shots.

Davis registered 31 points (11-20 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 7-8 FT), nine rebounds, one assist and four blocks across 35 minutes during Friday's 116-106 victory over the 76ers.

The veteran big led all scorers on the night as he topped 30 points for the third straight game and the sixth time in his first eight contests this season. Davis is seeing his highest usage rate since he joined the Lakers in 2019-20, and his 32.4 points per game would be a new career high if he can maintain that pace. He's also averaging 11.4 boards, 2.8 assists, 2.1 blocks and 1.4 steals while shooting 56.9 percent from the floor.

Drummond posted 14 points (6-12 FG, 2-7 FT), 12 rebounds and three steals over 22 minutes during Friday's 116-106 loss to the Lakers.

It's the second double-double in eight starts for Drummond, and the veteran center has pulled down double-digit boards five times in that span while recording multiple steals four times. With Joel Embiid (knee/suspension) closing in on his season debut, however, Drummond's stint in the starting five is about to come to an end, likely on Tuesday against the Knicks.

Allen registered 13 points (5-7 FG, 3-5 FT), 12 rebounds, three assists and one block over 30 minutes in Friday's 136-117 win over the Warriors.

It was a dominant victory for the undefeated Cavaliers on Friday, and despite leading by 41 points at halftime, Allen was able to play long enough to log his fourth-straight double-double and his seventh of the regular season. Allen is averaging 11.9 rebounds per game -- sixth-most in the NBA -- along with 14.9 points, 1.9 assists and 1.4 blocks over 30.5 minutes.