NBA Player News

Kessler (thumb) tallied four points (2-4 FG, 0-2 FT), 19 rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block across 32 minutes in Friday's 130-107 loss to the Thunder.

Kessler was held out for the Jazz's final game of the first half on Feb. 13 versus the Clippers due to a left thumb sprain, but his absence was likely more of a maintenance day in the second leg of a back-to-back set. As expected, the third-year center was back in action after the All-Star break. Though he didn't come close to matching the 15.8 points he averaged over his previous four appearances, he made his presence felt on the boards and contributed in both defensive categories. The Jazz will wrap up another back-to-back set Saturday versus the Rockets, and fantasy managers will want to keep close tabs on his status leading up to the 9:30 p.m. ET tipoff, as Kessler could be a candidate to rest once again.

Duren closed with 21 points (10-14 FG, 1-1 FT), 15 rebounds, five assists, one block and one steal across 27 minutes during Friday's 125-110 win over San Antonio.

Without Victor Wembanyama (shoulder) to worry about, Duren dominated the glass en route to his 25th double-double of the season. The 21 points also tied his season high, and the third-year center has pulled down double-digit boards in 14 of the last 16 games, averaging 14.4 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.1 blocks and 0.9 steals over that stretch while shooting a stunning 70.7 percent from the floor. Duren has also become an asset at the charity stripe, shooting 84.6 percent on free throws during that span.

Edwards was absent during Thursday's 108-104 G League loss to Sioux Falls due to an ankle injury.

Edwards was one one of three Wolves not present on the floor in Thursday's G League outing while recovering from an ankle sprain. Edwards has appeared in 25 contests with Iowa, averaging 12.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 1.5 assists per game.

Brown registered two points (1-2 FG), four rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal over 12 minutes during Friday's 111-103 win over the Pelicans.

With Dallas dealing with injuries to Anthony Davis (adductor), Dereck Lively (ankle), Daniel Gafford (knee) and Dwight Powell (hip), the Mavericks signed Brown to a 10-day contract to add some depth at center. Despite coming off the bench, Brown ended up matching starting center Kessler Edwards in minutes, and the duo could have that kind of split in playing time moving forward while the Mavs use P.J. Washington at the five in small-ball lineups.

Edey racked up two points (1-2 FG), six rebounds and two blocks across 12 minutes during Friday's 105-104 win over Orlando.

Edey is now on a five-game streak of scoring five points or less, and his 12 minutes were his lowest since Jan. 17 against the Spurs (seven) as the Grizzlies leaned heavily on Brandon Clarke and Santi Aldama off the bench. Edey has gone through stretches of low output on the box score, but the rookie first-round pick is capable of logging a double-double on any given night. He'll look to bounce back against Donovan Mitchell and the East-leading Cavaliers on Sunday. Cleveland could be without Jarrett Allen (hand) for that game.

Clarke chipped in 13 points (6-10 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 11 rebounds, two assists and one steal in 27 minutes during Friday's 105-104 victory over the Magic.

Clarke was able to bounce back from a muted effort during Thursday's loss to Indiana to lead the Grizzlies in rebounding Friday while registering his first double-double of the regular season. Clarke is averaging career lows in points (7.9) and rebounds (5.0) per game this season, but he is shooting 61.1 percent from the field and has been a key piece to Memphis' rotation this year.

Williams (conditioning) is not listed on the injury report ahead of Saturday's game against Portland.

Williams did not play in the second game of the Hornets' back-to-back set Thursday against the Nuggets due to conditioning, but he has been given the all clear to play Saturday. Williams is averaging 15.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.1 blocks over 25.2 minutes per game this season.

Filipowski is not in the Jazz's starting lineup against the Thunder on Friday.

Filipowski will retreat to the bench Friday due to Walker Kessler (thumb) being cleared to play. Filipowski started Feb. 13 against the Clippers, the Jazz's final game before the All-Star break, and finished with a career-high 20 points along with 10 rebounds across 37 minutes.

Allen suffered a right hand injury during Friday's game against the Knicks and won't return, Chris Fedor of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Allen initially injured his hand at some point during the first half. After X-rays on his hand came back negative, Allen was on the court to begin the third quarter, but he played just four minutes before the Cavaliers ruled him out for the rest of the contest. He'll finish the game with 10 points (5-6 FG) and three rebounds over 20 minutes of court time. The veteran center will presumably be re-evaluated Saturday before the Cavaliers make a call on his availability for Sunday's game versus the Grizzlies.

Bassey (knee) is available for Friday's game against the Pistons.

Bassey missed the Spurs' last six games prior to the All-Star break due to a sprained MCL in his left knee. The 2021 second-round pick should see an uptick in playing time moving forward due to Victor Wembanyama (blood clot) being ruled out for the rest of the season.