NBA Player News

Jokic posted 18 points (8-13 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), seven rebounds, 10 assists and three steals in 37 minutes during Friday's 127-120 win over Phoenix.

Jokic didn't need to carry the scoring load Friday, but he still filled the box score effectively. The three-time MVP shot efficiently and picked up three steals while letting the red-hot Jamal Murray and Christian Braun take over. Denver won consecutive games for the first time this season, and Jokic's playmaking remains the engine of the offense.

Kessler finished Friday's 112-95 loss to the Warriors with 10 points (4-7 FG, 2-3 FT), 13 rebounds, two assists and five blocks across 31 minutes.

Kessler had one of his best defensive efforts of the season, posting a double-double with 13 rebounds and five blocks. The center was one of the few Lakers to finish with a positive plus-minus, and his rim protection remains a key piece of the starting lineup. He'll look to build on that Sunday against the Raptors.

Smith ended Friday's 125-111 loss to the Celtics with five points (2-8 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 12 rebounds, one assist and two blocks over 27 minutes.

Smith was the only player who finished Friday's game with double-digit rebounds, although it was the second time in three games that he failed to score in double digits. The seventh-year center is averaging 12.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.0 blocks over 24.2 minutes per game to open the regular season. He'll continue to operate in a starting role for as long as Nic Claxton (hamstring) is out of action.

Queta contributed 13 points (3-5 FG, 7-10 FT), six rebounds, one block and one steal across 20 minutes during Friday's 125-111 win over Chicago.

The majority of Queta's points came from the charity stripe, and his seven made free throws were his most in a regular-season game since March 1 against the 76ers. He played one more minute than starting center Mitchell Robinson, although Queta got some extra run in the fourth quarter due to the Celtics' large lead. Queta was Boston's starting center in 2025-26, but the sixth-year pro has acclimated to his rotational role to allow Robinson to work more with the starters.

Sarr ended with three points (1-5 FG, 1-3 3Pt) and eight rebounds across 29 minutes during Friday's 95-79 victory over Charlotte.

Sarr saw his playing time elevate to 29 minutes, although that's where the positives end. He turned in his worst performance of the season, despite the increased playing time, a worrying sign for fantasy managers. While he does remain a clear must-hold player, expectations for Sarr should likely be tempered, assuming Washington can maintain a relatively injury-free roster.

Diabate contributed 10 points (5-11 FG), 12 rebounds, one assist and two steals in 31 minutes during Friday's 95-79 loss to the Wizards.

Diabate continued his strong start to the season, recording his second double-double in the past three games. He appears to be firmly locked in as the starting center, averaging 9.3 points. 9.8 rebounds and 2.6 combined steals and blocks in 29.6 minutes per game, through the first six games of the season. Although his ceiling is somewhat limited, he remains a clear must-roster player, particularly for those needing steals from the center position.

Steinbach ended Friday's 95-79 loss to Washington with zero points (0-1 FG) in two minutes.

Steinbach appeared for just the second time this season, albeit for two minutes during garbage time. Despite some fanfare leading into the season, it appears as though he is going to have to bide his time on the bench, at least for the foreseeable future. Given his current role, there is no reason to be rostering him outside of dynasty formats.

Towns ended with 22 points (8-15 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 3-3 FT), 12 rebounds, three assists and one block over 35 minutes in Friday's 98-93 loss to Philadelphia.

Towns suffered a sprained wrist in Wednesday's victory over Chicago and carried an injury designation heading into this contest. However, he was cleared to suit up for the Knicks' first game of NBA Cup group play. The 2015 No. 1 overall pick played well, finishing the night with his sixth double-double in as many games while remaining efficient shooting the ball. In six regular-season appearances in the 2026-27 campaign thus far, Towns has averaged 21.8 points, 13.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists across 31.7 minutes per outing. He has also shot 41.4 percent from downtown.

Ighodaro (oblique) is available for Friday's game against the Nuggets.

Ighodaro was injured on Opening Night and missed the Suns' next two regular-season contests. He is now cleared to suit up versus Denver, potentially resulting in less work for Khaman Maluach. However, Ighodaro will operate under an unspecified minutes restriction, per John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.

Capela will start Friday's game against Dallas.

Tari Eason got the starting nod in Alperen Sengun's (back) absence in Wednesday's win over Milwaukee, though it'll be Capela who gets the starting nod Friday. Capela logged a season-high 22 minutes Wednesday, posting 10 points, eight rebounds, three steals, two assists and two blocks.