NBA Player News

Williams closed Friday's 119-116 victory over Toronto with four points (2-4 FG), three rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal across 20 minutes.

Williams returned Friday after missing the previous game with a back injury, seeing a limited role while finishing with less than five points for just the second time this season. Williams has played well for Charlotte over the last 10 games, averaging 10.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.2 assists over that stretch.

Kessler ended with eight points (4-9 FG), 12 rebounds, three assists, four blocks and two steals over 31 minutes during Friday's 117-103 loss to the Clippers.

Kessler emerged with a double-digit rebound total after failing to hit that milestone for five straight games. During his starting tenure to begin the season, Kessler delivered solid rebound numbers in the starting lineup, and playing with the first unit will help Kessler's fantasy value if he continues to get the nod over Omer Yurtseven and Kelly Olynyk.

Zubac posted 18 points (9-15 FG), 12 rebounds, three assists and two blocks across 42 minutes during Friday's 117-103 win over the Jazz.

Zubac posted solid numbers after missing the double-double milestone in his last two performances, and he logged his highest minute total of the season in the victory. Zubac rarely plays more than 30 minutes, but with Daniel Theis (illness) and Mason Plumlee (knee) sidelined, the big man was forced to register more time on the court.

Looney ended Friday's 138-136 overtime loss to the Thunder with five points (2-2 FG, 1-3 FT), four rebounds and two assists across 16 minutes.

Looney moved back into the starting lineup but played just 16 minutes in the loss. Although he is a regular piece of the rotation, Looney offers little upside outside of decent rebounding numbers. He is the 164th-ranked player in nine-category leagues and should be looked at as merely a streamer.

Sharpe totaled 15 points (7-13 FG, 1-1 FT), 11 rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal across 20 minutes during Friday's 124-97 victory over the Wizards.

It was Sharpe's third double-double of the season and the second straight game he recorded 10-plus rebounds. His five offensive rebounds led the team as he got extended playing time off the bench in a blowout win. Sharpe has now played 20-plus minutes in two of his last three games, and his minutes have steadily increased as the season has progressed.

Claxton finished Friday's 124-97 victory over the Wizards with 13 points (6-8 FG, 1-2 FT), 15 rebounds and two blocks across 26 minutes.

Claxton reached double-digit rebounds for the third time in four games and recorded his fourth double-double of the season. He was one of six Nets players to score in double digits, and his four offensive rebounds were second on the team only to Day'Ron Sharpe (five). Claxton is averaging 2.5 blocks per game, which puts him fourth in the NBA in that category just behind Victor Wembanyama (2.6).

Embiid ended Friday's 125-114 victory over Atlanta with 38 points (12-24 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 13-15 FT), 14 rebounds, three assists, four blocks and one steal in 36 minutes.

Embiid entered Friday's game as the leading scorer in the NBA, averaging 33.1 points per game while shooting 51.1 percent from the floor. His 38 points against Atlanta was a game high and marked the reigning MVP's seventh straight game with at least 30 points. Embiid's scoring dominance is in large part due to his contributions at the free-throw line, which continued Friday.

Capela racked up 15 points (6-12 FG, 3-4 FT), 16 rebounds, two assists and one block over 30 minutes during Friday's 125-114 loss to the 76ers.

Capela had his work cut out for him as he squared off against reigning MVP Joel Embiid. Capela was able to notch his second double-double in three games and scored in double digits for the fourth time in five games. It was encouraging to see Capela maintain strong production even though Trae Young was sidelined by an illness.

Yurtseven will come off the bench Friday against the Clippers, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Walker Kessler is back in the starting lineup after playing with the second unit in his last six appearances. Yurtseven's role is likely to trend down with the Jazz getting healthier. Kelly Olynyk (back) is back Friday, and Lauri Markkanen (hamstring) is getting closer to a return.

Kessler will move into the starting lineup Friday against the Clippers, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Kessler has come off the bench in his last six games, although his minutes have been higher than previous starter Omer Yurtseven. Kessler is coming off a quiet game against Dallas on Wednesday in which he was held to six points, eight rebounds and one steal, but a move back into the first unit could help him get his production going.