NBA Player News

Wagner provided 17 points (7-7 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), six rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal in 18 minutes during Friday's 125-113 loss to Philadelphia.

Wagner has now scored in double digits in two of his last three games. He's averaging 17.7 minutes per game this season, but with Wendell Carter leaving Friday's game due to back spasms, Wagner could see extended playing time in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Bucks.

Sabonis logged 25 points (9-18 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 12 rebounds, nine assists and two steals across 42 minutes during Friday's 108-107 loss to the Suns.

Sabonis was pestered consistently by Jusuf Nurkic during the loss, and some calls didn't go Sacramento's way during the interior battle. As one of the team's top contributors, Sabonis may need to post another big total against the Trail Blazers on Sunday. A loss would ensure the Kings end up with the ninth or 10th seed, which would require two wins in the Play-In Tournament to earn a spot in the playoff bracket.

Landale closed Friday's 116-107 win over the Trail Blazers with 20 points (8-13 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 4-4 FT), four rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal in 32 minutes.

The Rockets experimented with a smaller lineup during Portland's win over Utah, but they brought size back into the frontcourt with Landale against the Trail Blazers, presumably to contain Deandre Ayton (back). Landale was effective against Portland's alternate options after Ayton exited early. Now with his third team in three seasons, Landale is projected to stay trapped behind Alperen Sengun next season, but the 6-foot-11 center could see more time in frontcourt injury scenarios.

Carter (back) didn't return to Friday's 125-113 loss to the 76ers after exiting the game with 8:11 in the first quarter due to back spasms. He finished with four points (2-3 FG, 0-1 3Pt) during his time on the court.

The Magic had listed Carter as questionable to return shortly after he suffered the injury, but he remained on the bench for the start of the second half and never checked back into the contest. After suffering the loss, the Magic are tied with the Pacers and 76ers for the fifth through seventh seeds in the Eastern Conference standings, while the Heat sit one game behind in the eighth spot. With the Magic eager to avoid the Play-In Tournament by falling to the No. 7 or 8 seed, the team will hope to have Carter available for Sunday's regular-season finale versus the Bucks.

Holmgren provided 22 points (9-13 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 3-3 FT), nine rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal across 25 minutes during Friday's 125-107 victory over the Bucks.

Holmgren turned in a strong performance Friday, helping the Thunder to a clutch victory. They now sit atop the Western Conference and a win over Dallas on Sunday would secure them a first-place finish. Holmgren has been a revelation this season, taking the Thunder's ceiling to another level. From a fantasy perspective, there is a chance managers are going to have to part with a second-round pick to secure his services next year.

Davis logged 36 points (11-22 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 13-17 FT), 14 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and one steal over 43 minutes during Friday's 123-120 victory over the Grizzlies.

Davis missed Tuesday's loss to Golden State due to a headache and nausea, but he was able to suit up for Friday's contest. He and fellow All-Star LeBron James combined for 73 points in a key win that helped propel the Lakers to the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. Including Friday's performance, Davis has put up at least 35 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks on five occasions this season. The Lakers can clinch the No. 8 seed with a win in Sunday's regular-season finale in New Orleans but could fall to as low as 10th with a loss, so Davis and the rest of the team's starters figure to suit up and play their full allotment of minutes.

Ayton won't return to Friday's game against the Rockets due to low back soreness. He registered six points (3-10 FG, 0-2 3Pt), two rebounds, one assist and one steal in 23 minutes before exiting.

The Blazers will likely turn to Duop Reath and Moses Brown at center for the rest of the game with Ayton unavailable. It's unclear at this time whether Ayton will be available for the regular-season finale Sunday in Sacramento.

Plumlee will come off the bench Friday against the Jazz, Justin Russo of the 'Clip & Roll' podcast reports.

Plumlee's time with the first unit was short-lived, as he'll head back to the bench Friday after drawing a spot start Wednesday against the Suns. He hasn't been much of a factor of late when serving in a reserve role, averaging 2.0 points, 2.6 rebounds and 0.8 assists over his last five appearances.

Landale will start Friday's game against Portland, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Fred VanVleet (hip) is sitting out, so the Rockets will slide everyone else down a position in what will be a bigger lineup. This will allow Landale to match up with Portland's Deandre Ayton.

Embiid returned for the second half of Friday's game against Orlando.

This is a huge relief for the 76ers after Embiid appeared to tweak his left leg before halftime, forcing him out of the game and into the locker room.