NBA Player News

Collins (ankle) tallied nine points (4-9 FG, 1-2 FT), three assists and two rebounds in 20 minutes Friday in the Spurs' 114-113 loss to the Pelicans.

After missing the Spurs' previous three games with a right ankle sprain, Collins slotted back in as the backup to starting center Victor Wembanyama on Friday. Considering Collins was previously sidelined for nine games from Dec. 31 through Jan. 17 with a sprain of the same ankle, he'll most likely be held out for the second leg of the back-to-back set Saturday versus the Cavaliers. If that's the case, Dominick Barlow would likely serve as Wembanyama's backup.

Sengun accumulated 24 points (10-14 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 3-3 FT), 13 rebounds and eight assists across 29 minutes during Friday's 135-106 win over the Raptors.

The third-year center likely would have come away with his fourth career triple-double had the game been closer, but the Rockets emptied their bench in the fourth quarter. Sengun has delivered four straight double-doubles and eight in the last nine games, a stretch in which he's averaging 22.2 points, 10.9 boards, 6.4 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.8 blocks while shooting 56.6 percent from the floor.

Duren amassed 11 points (5-7 FG, 1-2 FT), 13 rebounds and two assists in 31 minutes during Friday's 136-125 loss to the Clippers.

It was the 24th double-double of the season for Duren, putting him 13th in the NBA in that category. The 20-year-old center has taken a huge step forward in his second season, and over 19 games since returning from an ankle injury after Christmas, he's averaging 14.8 points, 12.5 boards and 2.5 assists while shooting 64.9 percent from the floor and 77.3 percent from the free-throw line -- the latter mark a more than 16-point improvement from his 2022-23 performance.

Richards registered eight points (3-5 FG, 2-4 FT), 11 rebounds, one assist and one block across 31 minutes during Friday's 126-106 loss to the Thunder.

Richards continues to profile as an above-average shot blocker and rebounder on both ends. Interestingly, Richards carries similar splits playing with or without LaMelo Ball (ankle) this season, so his ability to boom is more tied to game script and matchup. Shot selection is also a factor given that Richards often feasts on putback attempts and easy looks at the basket.

Nurkic amassed 14 points (7-9 FG, 0-1 FT), nine rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal in 23 minutes during Friday's 129-120 loss to the Hawks.

Nurkic has compiled 42 points and 20 rebounds and over his last two games, marking a huge improvement from the 24 points and 24 rebounds he compiled over a four-game stretch prior while he also battled a thumb injury. His ability to chip in as a defensive playmaker and secondary facilitator adds versatility to his fantasy floor, so his buy-low window is closing now that he has returned to being active in the scoring column.

Jokic ended Friday's 120-108 victory over the Trail Blazers with 27 points (11-16 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 22 rebounds, 12 assists, two blocks and one steal in 38 minutes.

Jokic took the night off Wednesday against the Thunder, and the extra day of rest seemed to work wonders as the All-Star turned in a brilliant effort against the Trail Blazers. His 22 rebounds marked a season high as well as his 11th consecutive game with double-digit rebounds.

Jackson totaled 10 points (3-8 FG, 4-4 FT), eight rebounds, two assists and two steals in 27 minutes during Friday's 133-122 loss to the Kings.

Jackson moved into the starting lineup Friday, falling two rebounds short of a double-double. With Myles Turner (ankle) and Jalen Smith (back) sidelined, Jackson was the last man standing at center. Although he has the ability to put up 12-team numbers when afforded meaningful minutes, managers would need to see more of this before making him an add.

Jokic (back) will play in Friday's game against Portland.

Jokic made it through warmups without any setbacks and is set to return from a one-game absence. With Jokic back in the mix, Peyton Watson will likely move back to the second unit for Denver.

Gobert (ankle) will play in Friday's game against Orlando, Dane Moore of 'The Dane Moore NBA Podcast' reports.

Gobert has been very durable this season, missing a total of one game. There's no word of any restrictions, but Minnesota will likely watch his ankle closely. In his most recent outing against Dallas on Wednesday, Gobert had 17 points, six rebounds and two blocks in 28 minutes.

Jokic (back) is expected to be available for Friday's game versus the Trail Blazers, Katy Winge of Altitude Sports reports.

Jokic has not officially been cleared, but things appear to be trending in that direction. Final confirmation should come closer to game time.