NBA Player News

Vucevic (groin) played 25 minutes and finished with 11 points (5-12 FG, 1-5 3Pt), seven rebounds and three assists in Friday's 104-91 win over the Hornets.

In his return from a five-game absence due to a left groin strain, the Bulls elected to ease Vucevic back into the mix in a bench role. In his first appearance as a reserve since the 2016-17 season, Vucevic ended up splitting the playing time at center nearly down the middle with fill-in starter Andre Drummond, who logged 23 minutes. The playing time should gradually tilt back in Vucevic's favor once the groin injury is further in the rear-view mirror, though it wouldn't be surprising if the 33-year-old's minutes ceiling was a bit lower than it had been in previous seasons. Even before he missed time with the injury, Vucevic's offensive efficiency was well down from 2022-23, as he came into Friday's game averaging 16.5 points on 45.2 percent shooting from the field, his lowest rate since his rookie campaign.

Sabonis supplied 24 points (11-16 FG, 2-3 FT), 15 rebounds and 11 assists across 39 minutes before fouling out of Friday's 135-130 victory over the Raptors.

Sabonis registered his second straight triple-double -- and third in his last four games -- in Friday's win. His 12.9 rebounds per game leads the NBA, and his 59.2 percent shooting from the field ranks ninth in the league. Over his last 10 games, Sabonis is averaging 22.7 points on 62.6 percent shooting, 14.4 rebounds and 9.3 assists over 35.5 minutes per game.

Plumlee (knee) played seven minutes in Friday's 111-95 win over the Pelicans, finishing with eight points (2-2 FG, 4-5 FT) and two rebounds.

Plumlee was cleared to return to action Jan. 1, but he didn't appear in either of the Clippers' first two games of the month before he made his return to action Friday, when he checked into the game with 7:11 remaining in the fourth quarter. The 33-year-old was productive during his time on the court in his first appearance in two months following an extended recovery from an MCL sprain, but Plumlee looks as though he'll still be on the outside of the rotation for now. Expect Daniel Theis to continue serving as the primary backup to starting center Ivica Zubac while the Clippers -- who have won 14 of their last 16 games -- continue to roll.

Jokic finished Friday's 122-120 loss to the Magic with 29 points (13-19 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 3-4 FT), four rebounds, eight assists and three steals across 37 minutes.

Jokic led the Nuggets in scoring for the fourth time in five games in Friday's loss. He's shot 50.0 percent or better from the field in each of his last three games, though his four rebounds were a season low. The two-time MVP is averaging 23.5 points, 10.7 rebounds, 7.8 assists, 1.0 blocks and 1.3 steals over 33.9 minutes per game over his last 10 appearances.

Claxton amassed 23 points (8-11 FG, 7-10 FT), 13 rebounds, three assists and one steal in 34 minutes during Friday's 124-115 victory over the Thunder.

Claxton was impressive on both ends of the court and lifted the Nets to a huge win in front of their fans while ending a five-game losing skid. Claxton's performance was even better considering he was tasked with slowing down Chet Holmgren, one of the most versatile big men in the NBA. Claxton is a double-double threat every time he steps on the court, and he has achieved that feat in five of his last six appearances.

Holmgren closed Friday's 124-115 loss to the Nets with 17 points (8-15 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 1-2 FT), six rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal over 35 minutes.

Holmgren missed all four of his three-point attempts and failed to register multiple blocks or steals for the second consecutive appearance. Opposing defenses have started preparing for Holmgren, and his numbers have reflected that a bit. However, he continues to put very attractive fantasy stats. Over his last 10 games, the former Gonzaga star is averaging 18.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.4 blocks per game.

Wagner totaled 19 points (8-14 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 11 rebounds, three assists and two steals across 38 minutes during Friday's 122-120 victory over the Nuggets.

Wagner got his first start of the season Friday with Goga Bitadze (illness) and Wendell Carter (knee) ruled out. Wagner took advantage of opportunity to notch his first double-double of the season and the 11th of his career. Wagner is expected to return to a bench role for Sunday's game against the Hawks if Bitadze returns.

Reath supplied 16 points (7-12 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 1-2 FT), seven rebounds and two assists in 27 minutes during Friday's 139-103 loss to Dallas.

Reath was swapped into the starting lineup for Ibou Badji for Friday's game. It was a blowout loss for the Trail Blazers, but Reath's seven rebounds were tied for most on the team with Toumani Camara. Reath has played at least 27 minutes in two of his last three games and has carved out a larger role for himself in Portland's rotation.

Valanciunas registered 13 points (6-12 FG, 1-1 3Pt), 11 rebounds, one assist and one block across 23 minutes during Friday's 111-95 loss to the Clippers.

Valanciunas registered his second double-double in his last three games. He also tied with Jordan Hawkins as the leading scorer for the Pelicans in a game during which Zion Williamson left in the second half with a right leg contusion. Valanciunas is averaging 14.7 points and 9.7 rebounds this season, but he hasn't played 30-plus minutes since Dec. 26 as he's split time in the frontcourt with Larry Nance.

Duren contributed 13 points (6-6 FG, 1-2 FT), 12 rebounds, two assists and two blocks over 33 minutes during Friday's 113-109 loss to the Warriors.

Duren has recorded six consecutive double-doubles since returning from an eight-game absence, and the Memphis product is a bright spot in an otherwise horrible campaign for the Pistons. Duren and Cade Cunningham create an excellent core to build around, and both players are viable fantasy targets despite Detroit's poor record. Managers in formats that reward double-double performances should have Duren near the top of their wish list.