NBA Player News

Gafford totaled 12 points (5-5 FG, 2-4 FT), seven rebounds, one block and one steal over 21 minutes during Thursday's 114-108 win over the Heat.

The former Wizard made his first start since Feb. 14, but the shift in roles didn't impact Gafford's minutes or production. Dereck Lively left the game in the fourth quarter with a calf injury, however, and that could have a much bigger impact on Gafford's numbers if the issue proves to be a serious one for the younger center. Over 11 games since joining the Mavericks, Gafford's averaging just 17.6 minutes a contest with 9.3 points, 7.1 boards and 1.4 blocks.

Lively suffered an apparent calf injury late in the fourth quarter of Thursday's 114-108 win over the Heat, Grant Afseth of SI.com reports. He finished with four points (2-3 FG), two rebounds and one assist in 23 minutes before departing with 33.1 seconds remaining in the game.

According to Afseth, Lively was struggling to put weight on his leg and limped to the bench when he checked out of the contest, but he looked to be walking around fine after the game. Afseth notes that Lively said he was kneed in the calf and will be re-evaluated Friday before the Mavericks determine his status for Saturday's game in Detroit. After starting in Dallas' last seven games, Lively came off the bench Thursday, but he still ended up seeing more minutes than his replacement in the lineup, Daniel Gafford (21).

Duren registered 12 points (6-8 FG), 14 rebounds, four assists and two steals across 30 minutes during Thursday's 118-112 win over the Nets.

The second-year center is dominating the glass again, recording double-doubles in seven of the last eight games while averaging 13.4 points, 11.0 boards, 3.1 assists, 1.1 blocks and 0.8 steals while shooting 61.2 percent from the floor. Duren is up to 34 double-doubles on the season, good for 10th in the league, even though he's missed 15 of the Pistons' 62 games.

Claxton notched 15 points (5-8 FG, 5-7 FT), 10 rebounds, two assists, three blocks and one steal in 34 minutes during Thursday's 118-112 loss to the Pistons.

It's his third double-double in the last four games and 23rd of the season, but it's Claxton's defensive efforts that stand out the most. The 24-year-old center has recorded multiple blocks nine times in 16 contests since the beginning of February, a stretch in which he's averaging 11.6 points, 8.6 boards, 2.3 blocks and 2.1 assists while shooting 61.4 percent from the floor.

Porzingis totaled 24 points (9-23 FG, 3-10 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 12 rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal across 35 minutes during Thursday's 115-109 loss to the Nuggets.

Porzingis led all players in Thursday's contest with a trio of made threes and ended as one of two Celtics with 10 or more rebounds in a double-double performance. Porzingis, who was one of two Boston players with 20 or more points, has recorded at least 20 points and 10 boards seven times this year.

Jokic racked up 32 points (11-19 FG, 10-10 FT), 12 rebounds, 11 assists and two steals across 39 minutes during Thursday's 115-109 victory over the Celtics.

Jokic led all players in Thursday's contest in assists while pacing the Nuggets in scoring and rebounds during a well-rounded triple-double showcase. Jokic, who also ended perfect at the free-throw line in the victory, has tallied a triple-double in 24 games this season, including in two of his last four outings. He has also surpassed the 30-point mark in two of his last three appearances.

Reid recorded 13 points (6-15 FG, 1-4 3Pt), eight rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal over 26 minutes during Thursday's 113-111 win over the Pacers.

With Karl-Anthony Towns out indefinitely with a torn meniscus in his left knee, Reid will see more opportunities on the offensive side of the floor. His 13 points Thursday was third on the team behind Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert. Although Kyle Anderson got the start for Towns, Reid could work his way into the starting five if he shows out over the next few games.

Gobert racked up 18 points (7-11 FG, 4-5 FT), 14 rebounds, three blocks and two steals across 40 minutes during Thursday's 113-111 victory over Indiana.

Gobert registered his 44th double-double of the season Thursday and has reached that mark for the fourth straight game. He'll have more responsibility grabbing rebounds moving forward with Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) out indefinitely. Over his last 10 games, Gobert has averaged 14.8 points on 66.3 percent shooting, 14.4 rebounds and 2.7 blocks over 36.3 minutes per game.

Collins will be in the starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Kings with Victor Wembanyama (ankle) unavailable.

Wembanyama is likely going to miss Saturday's game as well, so Collins could remain in the starting lineup this weekend. Across 24 starts this season, Collins has registered averages of 14.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.2 triples, 0.8 blocks, 0.8 steals and 2.8 turnovers per contest on 50.2 percent shooting.

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich said Thursday he's hopeful to have Wembanyama (ankle) back in the lineup for Monday's game versus Golden State, Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News reports.

Wembanyama has already been officially ruled out for Thursday's game in Sacramento with a right ankle sprain, and Popovich's comments imply that the rookie No. 1 overall pick can safely be ruled out for Saturday's game at Golden State. The Spurs are targeting the rematch with the Warriors on Monday for Wembanyama's return, though expect the team to exercise caution with the prized big man if he's still dealing with lingering pain in his ankle. Zach Collins will likely serve as the Spurs' starting center for the next two games while Wembanyama is sidelined.