NBA Player News

The Nuggets waived Bates (foot) on Wednesday, per Michael Scotto of USA Today.

Bates' two-way roster spot was cleared to make space for the incoming David Roddy on Wednesday. It's a tough break for Bates, who remains on the mend after undergoing foot surgery in late December. Through G League 13 appearances with the Grand Rapids Gold, Bates averaged 19.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 2.0 three-pointers and 1.6 steals in 33.2 minutes per game.

Jakucionis chipped in nine points (2-4 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 4-4 FT), one rebound, five assists and one steal over 22 minutes during Tuesday's 124-98 victory over the Nets.

As long as Tyler Herro and Davion Mitchell are healthy, Jakucionis is likely to struggle for streaming value in fantasy leagues. Over his last four outings, Jakucionis has averaged just 3.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 15.3 minutes per game.

Fontecchio racked up 12 points (3-6 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 3-3 FT), three rebounds, one assist and one steal over 20 minutes during Tuesday's 124-98 win over the Nets.

With the Heat fairly healthy, Fontecchio is falling out of favor with head coach Erik Spoelstra. The 20 minutes were Fontecchio's first time in double digits since Feb. 11, and the enhanced workload likely had more to do with the blowout nature of Tuesday's contest.

Rupert agreed to a two-way contract with the Grizzlies on Wednesday, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports.

Rupert's 10-day contract with the Grizzlies expired earlier Wednesday, but Memphis wasted no time bringing the swingman back as one of its two-way players after upgrading Olivier-Maxence Prosper to a standard contract. Over his five appearances with the Grizzlies during his 10-day deal, Rupert averaged 10.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.2 assists in 26.8 minutes per game. While Rupert will likely be included in the rotation in Wednesday's game against the Trail Blazers, he'll be available to play in just 11 of the Grizzlies' remaining 22 contests due to the stipulations of his two-way deal.

Bridges totaled 11 points (3-13 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 4-7 FT), three rebounds, five assists and one block in 31 minutes during Tuesday's 117-90 victory over Dallas.

Since returning from his suspension, Bridges is still searching for his form. Over his last three games, he's shooting just 36.7 percent from the field with averages of 10.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.3 three-pointers in 28.9 minutes per contest.

Gafford accumulated 10 points (5-8 FG), six rebounds, two assists, one block and two steals over 22 minutes during Tuesday's 117-90 loss to the Hornets.

Gafford put together a solid outing, but he continues to have his minutes dialed back. Over his last 11 games, he's averaging 22.4 minutes per contest with 8.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.5 blocks. There's been no indication that his minutes will trend up.

Jaquez had 20 points (6-13 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 6-8 FT), five rebounds, four assists and two blocks across 27 minutes during Tuesday's 124-98 victory over Brooklyn.

Despite being a regular member of the second unit, Jaquez continues to produce on a consistent basis. Across his past seven outings, the versatile forward has averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.0 steals in 26.9 minutes per game.

Payne supplied 10 points (4-11 FG, 2-8 3Pt), two rebounds, two assists and two steals over 26 minutes during Tuesday's 131-91 loss to San Antonio.

With VJ Edgecombe (back) and Kelly Oubre (illness) both out for Wednesday's tilt against Utah, Payne is a candidate for an expanded role in the interim. The 26 minutes were a season high for Payne on Tuesday, and it wouldn't be surprising if he hovered around that number once again for the banged-up 76ers on Wednesday.

Wembanyama ended Tuesday's 131-91 victory over Philadelphia with 10 points (3-5 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 3-5 FT), eight rebounds, four assists, six blocks and three steals in 24 minutes.

Tuesday's game wasn't close, so head coach Mitch Johnson had the luxury of giving his starters some extra rest. Over his last six appearances, Wembanyama has averaged 18.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 4.5 blocks, 4.0 assists and 1.3 steals in 29.9 minutes per game.

Roddy signed a two-way contract with the Nuggets on Wednesday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

A first-round pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Roddy has been a standout player with the Raptors 905 in the G League. The Nuggets have had a lot of key injuries, and Roddy is being brought in to provide some emergency depth on the wings.