NBA Player News

Nurkic contributed three points (1-3 FG, 1-1 3Pt), five rebounds and four assists across 24 minutes during Wednesday's 133-115 victory over Minnesota.

Nurkic struggled to score in his matchup with Rudy Gobert during Wednesday's win. Fortunately for the Suns, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker led the way with 31 points each. Nurkic has now recorded just three points in back-to-back contests.

Horford logged 14 points (5-9 FG, 4-8 3Pt), eight rebounds, three assists and five blocks in 29 minutes during Wednesday's 117-107 win over the 76ers.

Horford joined the starting lineup for the third time this season Wednesday with Kristaps Porzingis (knee) sidelined. Horford performed well on both ends of the court with his increased playing time, and he scored in double figures for the first time this season while also racking up a season-high five blocks. The 37-year-old's production will likely regress to the mean once Porzingis is back in action, but the veteran proved Wednesday that he still can perform at a high level when given ample opportunities.

Bitadze chipped in 15 points (6-10 FG, 3-4 FT), 11 rebounds, two assists, one block and two steals across 26 minutes during Wednesday's 96-94 victory over the Bulls.

Bitadze's season-high 11 rebounds helped him record his second double-double of the season. The 24-year-old center has consistently produced defensively since being inserted into the starting lineup, averaging 1.5 blocks and 1.3 rebounds across his last six appearances. Bitadze should continue to see an enhanced role with Wendell Carter (hand) out for multiple weeks.

Ayton registered six points (3-10 FG) and six rebounds in 26 minutes during Wednesday's 109-95 loss to Cleveland.

Ayton ran into the imposing Cavaliers frontcourt of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, resulting in his worst performance of the campaign. The game was relatively close throughout, and Ayton finished with just three fouls. Coach Chauncey Billups felt more comfortable with Duop Reath for much of the game -- a floor-spacing option at center. The situation is worth monitoring lightly, though it was the first time since Oct. 29 that Ayton has played fewer than 32 minutes. Fantasy managers aren't getting what they hoped for in terms of Ayton's scoring (11.9 points per game), but his 11.5 rebounds are on pace to match a career-high mark. He's also had active hands defensively, averaging 1.5 steals and 0.8 blocks. That's helped the center retain fantasy value while his offense has slipped.

Eubanks produced 13 points (6-9 FG, 1-1 3Pt), four rebounds and three assists over 20 minutes during Wednesday's 133-115 victory over the Timberwolves.

Eubanks has yet to start a game for the Suns in 2023-24, but he continues to deliver solid numbers off the bench. He was efficient from the field in this game and recorded back-to-back double-digit scoring performances for the second time in the month. Eubanks is averaging 9.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.0 blocks in only 19.1 minutes per game across seven bench appearances in November.

Towns totaled 25 points (10-17 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 5-5 FT), seven rebounds and two assists over 31 minutes during Wednesday's 133-115 loss to the Suns.

Towns surpassed the 20-point mark for the fifth game in a row but ended three boards shy of reaching a fourth straight double-double. The star big man has six double-doubles so far, though most of his value lies in his offensive contributions.

Embiid finished Wednesday's 117-107 loss to the Celtics with 20 points (8-16 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 4-4 FT), nine rebounds, seven assists and one steal in 34 minutes.

Embiid didn't have a bad shooting night and still posted a solid overall stat line, but it's worth noting this 20-point output was his lowest scoring mark of the campaign. The star big man continues to play at an elite level, however, and he should bounce back Friday when dealing with Clint Capela and the Hawks. After all, Embiid has scored at least 25 points in all but two of his appearances.

Lopez contributed 10 points (4-10 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 1-1 FT), eight rebounds, four assists, seven blocks and one steal over 33 minutes during Wednesday's 128-112 victory over the Raptors.

Lopez played well on both ends of the court in a winning effort, leading all Bucks players in rebounds and blocks while finishing as one of six players with a double-digit point total. Lopez has recorded seven or more blocks in two games this season, recording at least three blocks in five contests. Lopez has also posted at least 10 points and five rebounds in five outings this year.

Poeltl chipped in 13 points (6-10 FG, 1-2 FT), 11 rebounds, one assist, two blocks and four steals in 27 minutes during Wednesday's 128-112 loss to the Bucks.

Poeltl led all players in Wednesday's game in rebounds while finishing as the lone Raptors player with a double-double and ending as the team leader in steals and blocks. Poeltl has hauled in 10 or more boards in five games this season, tallying a double-double in four of those contests.

Reath chipped in 16 points (6-10 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three assists and two rebounds across 20 minutes during Wednesday's 109-95 loss to Cleveland.

Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen were having their way with Portland's starting center, Deandre Ayton, throughout the contest, but Reath made the most of his 20 minutes in a backup role. After going 0-for-4 from the field with two turnovers in 10 minutes his last time out Tuesday at Utah, Reath had a much-needed bounce-back outing to solidify his spot on the second unit. The 27-year-old rookie looks as though he'll continue to operate as Portland's No. 2 center ahead of Ish Wainright and Moses Brown.