NBA Player News

Niederhauser finished with 11 points (3-6 FG, 5-6 FT), nine rebounds, four blocks and two steals across 21 minutes during Monday's 114-101 victory over the Warriors.

The rookie first-rounder matched a season high in swats Monday. With Ivica Zubac (ankle) out of the picture, Niederhauser is starting to push for a larger role behind Brook Lopez at center. Niederhauser has averaged 8.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in 20.7 minutes per game over his last four contests.

Claxton (thumb) is good to go for Tuesday's game against Miami.

After missing Sunday's game against the Cavaliers, Claxton is no longer on the injury report and is set to return. With this news, Day'Ron Sharpe's floor will be lower in fantasy hoops as he likely retreats to the bench.

Valanciunas logged 13 points (4-6 FG, 5-5 FT), six rebounds, one assist and one steal over 17 minutes during Monday's 128-125 victory over the Jazz.

Valanciunas played in unfamiliar territory Monday night, as he ran with the first unit at the four alongside Nikola Jokic. Valanciunas lacks the floor-stretching ability of other big men who can roam beyond the baseline, but the Nuggets made the call given numerous injuries throughout the roster. Putting Valanciunas and Jokic together can make sense down the stretch to give Denver a size advantage up front, so there could be repeat appearances of this scheme until Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Peyton Watson (hamstring) can return to action.

Jokic accumulated 22 points (6-11 FG, 10-11 FT), 12 rebounds, five assists and two blocks in 36 minutes during Monday's 128-125 win over Utah.

Jokic's double-double lacked its usual pop, but 11 appearances at the charity stripe and a high rebound total helped to buoy his bottom line. He ceded most of the heavy lifting to Jamal Murray, who kept making shots to keep ahead of the shorthanded Jazz. The Nuggets take on the Lakers next, and it will be Jokic's first appearance against them after an injury sidelined him in their only other meeting this season.

Capela finished Monday's 123-118 victory over the Wizards with four points (1-3 FG, 2-2 FT), eight rebounds and one assist over 11 minutes.

Capela continues to do the bare minimum with his time on the floor, averaging just 3.3 points and 4.1 rebounds in 12.0 minutes per game in seven appearances over the past two weeks. Houston is very thin when it comes to the center spot, as Capela struggling to hold his own, even against the opposition's second unit.

Sengun finished with 32 points (12-20 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 8-11 FT), 12 rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal over 38 minutes during Monday's 123-118 win over Washington.

Sengun took advantage of an undermanned frontcourt, scoring at least 30 points for the first time in his past 12 games. While he was able to score at will against the likes of Julian Reese and Will Riley, Sengun's eight turnovers cannot be overlooked. For those in nine-category formats, rostering a center who averages 3.2 turnovers per game has to be factored in when evaluating his overall value.

Horford is in the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Clippers, Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Horford will return to the first unit Monday after coming off the bench Saturday against the Lakers. Gui Santos will be deployed off the bench in a corresponding move. Horford has scored in double figures in each of his previous four chances as a starter.

Valanciunas is starting Monday's game against the Jazz.

Valanciunas will draw his first start since Jan. 29 due to the absences of Cameron Johnson (ankle) and Spencer Jones (shoulder). Valanciunas is averaging 15.3 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.0 blocks in his previous four starts.

Maluach is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Kings due to a right thumb sprain.

Maluach likely picked up the injury during his appearance Saturday with the G League's Valley Suns. The Duke product has since rejoined the parent club, but even if he's able to play through the thumb issue Tuesday, he's unlikely to be included in the rotation.

Vucevic is in the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Bucks, Sean Grande of NBC Sports Boston reports.

With Neemias Queta resting, Vucevic will make his first start as a member of the Celtics. Through nine games with Boston, the big man is averaging 12.0 points and 8.6 rebounds while shooting 47.7 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from beyond the arc in 23.8 minutes per contest. Luka Garza and Amari Williams will provide center depth behind Vucevic for Monday's contest.