NBA Player News

Ayton registered 25 points (12-24 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 1-1 FT), 11 rebounds, one assist, one block and three steals over 34 minutes during Thursday's 100-92 loss to the Warriors.

The shorthanded Trail Blazers kept things interesting thanks to a solid outing from Ayton and Jabari Walker, who combined for 27 rebounds in the loss. Scoot Henderson should join Ayton and Walker as the top producers with two games remaining. There seems to be little need for Portland to push out the myriad of injured players on the roster. Ayton battled injuries throughout the season, averaging 16.9 points, 11.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists through just 54 games.

Looney finished with nine points (4-6 FG, 1-2 FT), 11 rebounds, four blocks and two steals over 21 minutes during Thursday's 100-92 win over Portland.

Looney's usage has plummeted over the past few months, and he hasn't started since Jan. 25. The nine-year pro moved up the depth chart Thursday due to Draymond Green's (knee) absence, and although Looney will probably make the 15-man roster for the playoffs, consistent usage for the former first-unit center isn't guaranteed. Trayce Jackson-Davis has been the preferred second-unit frontcourt option recently, and the pecking order isn't expected to change unless coach Steve Kerr decides that a particular matchup favors Looney's skill set.

Duren had 20 points (7-9 FG, 6-7 FT), 11 rebounds and three assists in 31 minutes during Thursday's 127-105 loss to the Bulls.

Duren registered his 44th double-double of the season Thursday, which ties him with Nikola Vucevic for seventh most in the NBA. In what has been a lost season for the Pistons, Duren has proved to be a silver lining for the team and has emerged as a solid big man next to young guards Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. Since March 1, Duren is averaging 13.3 points on 59.7 percent shooting, 10.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists over 26.7 minutes per game.

Vucevic supplied 27 points (12-21 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 11 rebounds, four assists, one block and two steals across 37 minutes during Thursday's 127-105 win over the Pistons.

With his double-double Thursday, Vucevic is now up to 44 on the season, which is tied with Jalen Duren for seventh in the NBA. Vucevic entered Thursday's contest shooting 48.0 percent from the field -- four percentage points lower than the 2022-23 season -- and 29.0 percent from three, which is his lowest mark since 2015-16 with the Magic. He has been more efficient as of late, and since March 1, Vucevic is averaging 17.9 points on 50.2 percent shooting (including 34.6 percent from three), 10.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists over 33.3 minutes per game.

Sharpe (right wrist effusion) is questionable for Friday's game against the Knicks.

Sharpe was a late addition to the injury report, which is not exactly a great sign. He's had a very limited role lately, averaging 11.7 minutes in his last nine appearances.

Lopez (rest) is questionable for Friday's game against the Thunder.

Lopez, Bobby Portis (rest) and Khris Middleton (rest) are all late additions to the injury report and are now carrying questionable tags. If Lopez is held out, the Bucks could potentially turn to Danilo Gallinari and utilize a smaller lineup.

McGee (illness) won't play against the Pelicans on Thursday, James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento reports.

Mcgee has been downgraded from questionable to out and remains day-to-day. His absence is unlikely to impact the rotation for Thursday.

Capela (rest) is questionable for Friday's game against the Timberwolves, Lauren L. Williams of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

With only two games left in the regular season, a maintenance day is on the table for Capela. If Atlanta holds their starting center out, Bruno Fernando could see a lot of run against the Timberwolves and would be on the streaming radar.

Tillman is not in the starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Knicks.

As expected, Tillman returns to the bench with Kristaps Porzingis (hamstring) in the starting unit. Tillman has averaged 4.6 points and 3.5 rebounds across 15.9 minutes per game when playing off the bench this season.

Jokic is probable to play in Friday's game against the Spurs due to left hip inflammation.

The Nuggets are trying to secure the top seed in the Western Conference, and the probable tag suggests Jokic will be able to handle his regular workload ahead of what promises to be a thrilling duel against Victor Wembanyama. Jokic recorded 42 points (18-32 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 16 rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal in 38 minutes the last time he faced the Spurs back on April 2.