NBA Player News

Duren posted 21 points (10-16 FG, 1-1 FT), 12 rebounds and two assists in 30 minutes during Wednesday's 130-108 loss to San Antonio.

The second-year center continues to come up big, notching eight double-doubles in nine games since returning to the lineup right after Christmas from an ankle injury. Over that stretch, Duren is averaging 16.0 points, 12.1 boards and 2.6 assists while shooting 67.0 percent from the floor and 84.6 percent from the free-throw line.

Sabonis ended Wednesday's 123-98 victory over the Hornets with 24 points (9-13 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 10 rebounds, seven assists and one block in 28 minutes.

Sabonis has been one of the most consistent big men in the league and has posted 20 straight games with a double-double or a triple-double, reaching the latter eight times. Even though he's committed multiple turnovers in seven consecutive outings, that comes with the territory of being one of the team's primary playmakers. Sabonis is averaging 24.5 points, 14.5 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game since the start of January.

Porter notched nine points (4-8 FG, 1-3 3Pt), seven rebounds and four assists in 18 minutes during Wednesday's 126-120 loss to the Clippers.

Jakob Poeltl (ankle) is expected to miss two weeks, and the added absence of Pascal Siakam (back) Wednesday allowed Porter to step in and see more time. Interestingly, his 18 minutes were higher than those of Chris Boucher (11minutes) and Jalen McDaniels (13 minutes), who are usually the next men up when the frontcourt is thin.

Jokic produced 27 points (8-9 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 10-12 FT), 11 rebounds, six assists and one steal in 30 minutes during Wednesday's 124-111 loss to the Jazz.

Although Jokic had a solid night of scoring, it wasn't enough to upend a resurgent Jazz team that earned several scoring opportunities in the interior. A lack of support from the rest of the roster was a key factor in the loss, as the second-highest scorer only managed 17 points.

Gafford chipped in 12 points (4-6 FG, 4-6 FT), eight rebounds, two assists, six blocks and two steals across 37 minutes during Wednesday's 112-104 loss to the Pacers.

Gafford matched his season high with six blocked shots, continuing his breakout campaign. Despite the Wizards being one of the worst teams in the league, Gafford has swooped on the opportunity to bolster his numbers. He is by no means a consistent scorer but typically provides elite block numbers, strong rebounds and high efficiency, making him a must-roster player across all formats.

Valanciunas supplied 21 points (9-13 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 1-2 FT), nine rebounds, two assists, one block and two steals over 21 minutes during Wednesday's 141-105 win over Golden State.

Valanciunas played just 21 minutes, but that was enough to pace New Orleans in both points and boards in an easy victory. The big man was efficient from the field and even knocked down a pair of triples, the seventh time this season he's hit multiple three-pointers in a game. Valanciunas hasn't played more than 23 minutes since the turn of the new year, but he's still managed to notch three double-doubles over five games in that span.

Azubuike (illness) will be available to play in Thursday's game against the Lakers.

Azubuike was unavailable for Monday's game against the Clippers, but he's healthy again and will be an emergency frontcourt option. He's not typically part of the rotation.

Bol (ankle) isn't on the injury report for Thursday's game versus the Lakers.

Bol will return to action Thursday after missing the previous two games due to a right ankle sprain. Bol is averaging 6.2 points and 3.6 rebounds in 10.8 minutes across his last five appearances.

The Trail Blazers announced Wednesday that Brown underwent successful surgery on his left shoulder and will be re-evaluated in six weeks.

Brown has already missed Portland's last four games and is expected to remain out until at least the end of February. With Deandre Ayton (knee) also sidelined, Duop Reath and Ibou Badji should continue to receive extended minutes until Ayton is able to return to action.

Looney is in the starting five for Wednesday's game versus the Pelicans, Anthony Slater of The Athletic reports.

Looney will replace Trayce Jackson-Davis in the starting lineup Wednesday. Looney is averaging 5.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 18.4 minutes across his last five starting appearances.