NBA Player News

Gafford (ankle) tallied two points (1-1 FG), two rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block across 13 minutes in Monday's 140-133 overtime loss to the Jazz.

Gafford took back his spot in the starting five after missing Dallas' previous three games due to right ankle injury management, but his playing time was kept in check while he played for just the second time in two weeks. Foul trouble may have been a factor in Gafford's limited minutes, as he had already racked up three personals just over two minutes into the second quarter before hitting the bench for the remainder of the period. He then played brief shifts at the beginning of the third and fourth quarters before the Mavericks went with Dwight Powell at center in overtime. Gafford should generally see his minutes pick up once he's further removed from the injury and when he's not plagued by fouls, though his playing time could still be somewhat volatile depending on matchups, especially when the Mavericks also have Anthony Davis (calf) available as an alternative at center.

Niederhauser played the final 3:40 of Monday's 121-103 loss to the Grizzlies, finishing with two points (0-1 FG, 2-2 FT) and one rebound.

After being recalled from the G League's San Diego Clippers earlier in the day, Niederhauser suited up for the parent club Monday but once again found himself outside of the rotation, with his playing time coming well after the Grizzlies had the game in hand. Though the 6-20 Clippers don't appear to view Niederhauser as an NBA-ready contributor just yet, the rookie first-round pick could nonetheless be in the mix for more meaningful run in competitive games behind top center Ivica Zubac once the team fades from playoff contention.

Ware amassed six points (3-7 FG, 0-2 3Pt), 13 rebounds and two blocks across 19 minutes during Monday's 106-96 loss to Toronto.

Ware logged fewer than 20 minutes for the second straight game, salvaging a quiet night with a team-high 13 rebounds. His role continues to change, seemingly on a nightly basis, making him a hard player to get a read on for fantasy purposes. While he does remain a must-roster player, it is looking like the majority of his value could end up being tied to rebounds and blocks only.

Jokic produced 39 points (13-27 FG, 5-9 3Pt, 8-11 FT), 15 rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and two blocks in 42 minutes during Monday's 128-125 overtime win over the Rockets.

Jokic pieced together yet another monster performance across the board despite fouling out in overtime, securing his 12th triple-double of the season in the process. He's been on a tear to begin the month of December, averaging 32.7 points, 12.2 rebounds, 10.5 assists and 1.2 steals through his first six appearances.

Poeltl chipped in eight points (4-6 FG), eight rebounds, two assists and one block over 29 minutes during Monday's 106-96 win over Miami.

Poeltl scored no more than 10 points for the fourth straight game, another in a string of underwhelming performances. Ongoing back issues continue to plague the veteran big man, limiting him to just 20 games thus far. His per-game production has also suffered as a result of the injury, averaging 10.1 points, 8.0 rebounds and 0.6 blocks in 26.2 minutes per contest. At this point, managers simply have to sit tight and hope that he can turn things around.

Sengun finished Monday's 128-125 overtime loss to the Nuggets with 33 points (14-27 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 10 rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and a block across 42 minutes.

Sengun engaged in a back-and-forth battle with Nikola Jokic, as both players posted a triple-double in this heavyweight matchup, but at the end of the day, the Rockets' big man couldn't avoid the defeat for Houston. This was Sengun's first triple-double of the 2025-26 campaign, and he's now posted either a triple-double or a double-double in his last four appearances dating back to Dec. 1.

Clarke (knee) is out for Monday's game against the Clippers.

Clarke has been practicing in the G League, but he's not yet ready for game action. His next opportunity for a return will arrive Wednesday in Minnesota.

Gafford will start against the Jazz on Monday, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

With Anthony Davis (calf) sidelined, Gafford will get the starting nod. However, the big man will be limited to 17-20 minutes in his return from a three-game absence due to a right ankle injury, per Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News. Over his last five outings (three starts), the 27-year-old has averaged 6.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks in 22.2 minutes per tilt.

Gafford (ankle) is available for Monday's game against the Jazz but will be limited to 17-20 minutes, Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Gafford will shed his questionable tag and return from a three-game absence due to a right ankle injury. With Anthony Davis (calf) sidelined, Gafford could get the starting nod, though he'll be limited regardless. Over his last five outings (three starts), the 27-year-old center has averaged 6.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks in 22.2 minutes per tilt.

Davis (calf) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Jazz.

Davis managed to take part in Monday's shootaround, but he isn't feeling healthy enough to give it a go. He'll miss his first game of December, opening the door for Klay Thompson and Naji Marshall to see more opportunities.