NBA Player News

Bitadze (coach's decision) went unused off the bench in Sunday's 105-87 win over the Heat.

Following Wendell Carter's return from a five-game absence Jan. 15, Bitadze had maintained his spot in the starting five for the ensuing three contests, but he dropped to the bench Sunday with Carter being awarded his first start since Dec. 27. Bitadze ended up moving out of the rotation entirely, as head coach Jamahl Mosely elected to deploy Moritz Wagner as the center on the second unit rather than Bitadze when Carter was off the floor. Though Wagner isn't as skilled of a rim protector as Bitadze, power forward Jonathan Isaac is a rangy shot blocker off the bench, and Wagner provides the Magic with more of a floor-spacing element than Bitadze. With that in mind, it's conceivable that Bitadze continues to find himself outside of the rotation more often than not moving forward, assuming Carter continues to start.

Sengun produced 24 points (10-18 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 12 rebounds, 10 assists and one steal across 36 minutes during Sunday's 116-107 loss to Boston.

Sengun posted his first triple-double of the season and delivered a statement performance against one of the best teams in The Association, showing an efficient touch from the field, energy on the glass and top-notch vision as a playmaker. Sengun has posted a double-double or triple-double in four of his last five outings, and he's Houston's main fantasy option by a wide margin in a season in which he's settled as one of the most productive big men in the league.

Porzingis logged 32 points (11-21 FG, 6-11 3Pt, 4-4 FT), six rebounds, five blocks, one assist and one steal across 33 minutes in Sunday's 116-107 victory over the Rockets.

Porzingis has had some ups and downs in recent weeks with the Celtics, but Sunday's game was the perfect example of how dominant he can be when deployed as the offense's focal point. Porzingis also became the first player in Celtics history to record five blocks and six threes made in the same game, exemplifying his two-way ability and his capacity to stretch the floor on offense.

Adebayo notched 22 points (8-17 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 6-6 FT), 11 rebounds, seven assists and two steals in 34 minutes during Sunday's 105-87 loss to the Magic.

Adebayo led all players in Sunday's contest in scoring, rebounds and assists while adding a pair of steals and ending three dimes short of a triple-double in a blowout loss. Adebayo has recorded a double-double in 22 games this year, recording at least 20 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in 11 contests.

Carter chipped in 17 points (7-11 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), nine rebounds, two assists and one steal across 34 minutes during Sunday's 105-87 victory over the Heat.

Carter made his first start since Dec. 27 by finishing as one of three Magic players with 15 or more points and ending one rebound short of a double-double. After a slow, injury-plagued start to the season, Carter has stepped up for Orlando as of late, scoring at least 17 points in four straight appearances.

Jokic had 42 points (15-20 FG, 12-14 FT), 12 rebounds, eight assists, three blocks and one steal over 36 minutes during Sunday's 113-104 victory over the Wizards.

The two-time MVP continues to dominate during the Nuggets' three-game road trip and has scored 25-plus points in eight of his last nine games. Jokic's has been close to triple-doubles as of late, but he was able to register his 37th double-double in Sunday's win. Over his last three games, Jokic has averaged 33.7 points on 64.5 percent shooting, 14.3 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.3 blocks over 37.3 minutes per game.

Collins (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of Monday's game against the 76ers, Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News reports.

Collins has played in the last two games after being sidelined for nine games due to a sprained right ankle, but he finds his status in the air ahead of Monday's game. If he is unable to go, Dominick Barlow will likely be brought up to the main roster and serve as the backup center to Victor Wembanyama.

Richards (ankle) is questionable for Monday's game against Minnesota.

Richards has missed the last two games due to a sprained right ankle, and it's unclear whether he'll be able to suit up Monday. If he's unavailable, P.J. Washington will presumably continue to start for the Hornets.

Bamba (knee) is questionable for Monday's game against the Spurs.

Bamba has missed four straight games due to a pinched nerve in his right knee, but he has a chance to return Monday. If he's cleared, Bamba will presumably handle a modest reserve role behind Joel Embiid.

Gafford is in the starting lineup Sunday against Denver.

Gafford's slots back in with the starters following a two-game absence due to a concussion. The 25-year-old is averaging 9.0 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 30.0 minutes across his last five appearances.