NBA Player News

Wembanyama chipped in 31 points (11-17 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 6-7 FT), 12 rebounds, six assists, six blocks and one steal over 31 minutes during Sunday's 117-105 win over the Pacers.

It's getting harder and harder to explain just how good Wembanyama has been during his rookie year, as things have gotten to the point where it's a surprise when he doesn't record a double-double with multiple blocks. That has been the case in each of his last six outings, and he's on a run of eight consecutive appearances with multiple blocks, averaging 5.4 swats per game in that eight-game stretch.

Holmgren had 14 points (5-10 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 4-5 FT), nine rebounds, two assists and one steal across 32 minutes during Sunday's 118-110 victory over Phoenix.

Holmgren likely ceded the battle for Rookie of the Year after getting out-rebounded by Victor Wembanyama last week, but he's an invaluable piece for the Thunder, who have finally found the right big man after years of struggling at the position. Holmgren hasn't missed a game this season and has started all 60 appearances, averaging 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.6 blocks after a lost season on the sidelines.

Nurkic finished with 14 points (7-16 FG, 0-2 3Pt), 31 rebounds, four assists and one block across 32 minutes during Sunday's 118-110 loss to the Thunder.

Nurkic's scintillating total was the highest rebound total recorded over the past 14 seasons and broke a franchise record for the Suns. Despite the incredible line, Nurkic's heroics weren't enough to upend the Thunder, who took over the top spot in the West with the win. While we should never expect totals anywhere close to Sunday's result, Nurkic has exceeded 20 rebounds two other times and will be a frequent double-double producer down the stretch.

Lively finished Sunday's 120-116 loss to the 76ers with four points (2-3 FG), three rebounds and one block in 18 minutes.

Lively picked up five fouls in his limited action, marking an uncharacteristic performance from the 20-year-old, who commits just 2.8 fouls per game on average. Coach Jason Kidd opted to lean on Maxi Kleber instead of Daniel Gafford with Lively hamstrung by fouls, but the rookie remains firmly atop the depth chart.

Gafford closed with zero points (0-1 FG), four rebounds and two steals over 13 minutes during Sunday's 120-116 loss to the 76ers.

Gafford has the makings of a seamless fit with superstar pick-and-roll operators Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, but he seems to be well-covered by opposing defenses and struggling to find rhythm in coach Jason Kidd's rotations. Logging 14 minutes across the Mavericks' past two contests is too short of a leash for Gafford, making him a bounce-back candidate in what should be a high-octane affair Tuesday against Indiana.

Gobert ended with 12 points (5-7 FG, 2-2 FT), 16 rebounds, two assists and three blocks in 40 minutes during Sunday's 89-88 loss to the Clippers.

Gobert grabbed 16 rebounds for the second consecutive game, and he's been on an absolute tear in recent weeks, posting 11 double-doubles across his last 12 appearances. The star big man has been an elite performer on both ends of the court this season for Minnesota and has outperformed his ADP in 2023-24, especially considering how poor he looked in 2022-23.

Nurkic (neck) will play in Sunday's game against the Thunder, Steve McGehee of News 9 Oklahoma City reports.

Nurkic left Saturday's game against the Rockets early due to neck spasms, but he will be able to suit up Sunday. He could be called upon for increased offensive production, as Devin Booker (ankle) is out of the lineup while Eric Gordon and Bradley Beal are on minutes restrictions.

Davis (Achilles) is probable for Monday's game against the Thunder.

Davis has found himself on the injury report ahead of most games this season, so nothing new here. Expect Davis to play with no limitations barring any new developments. The star big man has averaged 25.4 points, 13.0 rebounds, 2.2 blocks and 1.4 steals in 37.4 minutes per game over his last five appearances.

Poeltl won't return to Sunday's game against the Hornets due to a left pinky dislocation, Aaron Rose of SI.com reports. He finished with eight points (4-6 FG), three assists, two rebounds and one block in 15 minutes.

Poeltl suffered the injury late in the second quarter and will miss the entire second half. Though the Raptors are labeling his injury as a dislocation rather than a fracture, it's possible that the hand issue will cause enough discomfort that Poeltl won't be ready to play when the Raptors return to action Tuesday versus the Pelicans. Kelly Olynyk would likely start at center if Poeltl can't go Tuesday, while two-way player Jontay Porter could re-enter the rotation as a backup center.

Horford closed with seven points (3-5 FG, 1-2 3Pt), four rebounds, four assists and one steal over 21 minutes during Sunday's 140-88 win over the Warriors.

Horford got the starting nod in place of the injured Kristaps Porzingis (quadriceps), putting forth an all-around showing over just 21 minutes due to the blowout nature of the contest. Horford has started in 23 games this season, recording at least five points, three rebounds and three assists in 15 of those starts.