NBA Player News

Hyland closed with 18 points (6-7 FG, 3-3 3Pt, 3-4 FT), two rebounds and two assists in 16 minutes during Sunday's 117-108 win over the Nuggets.

After scoring in single digits in five straight outings, Hyland turned in an extremely efficient performance Sunday. The 25-year-old finished as Minnesota's third-leading scorer and paced the second unit in scoring against the Nuggets, who selected Hyland with the 26th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft before trading him to the Clippers in February 2023. While Hyland should continue to see meaningful burn off the bench, he typically doesn't offer much in terms of peripheral numbers and has been an inconsistent scorer of late.

Edwards ended with 21 points (9-19 FG, 3-9 3Pt, 0-2 FT), six assists, three rebounds, two blocks and one steal in 39 minutes during Sunday's 117-108 win over the Nuggets.

Edwards didn't deliver his most efficient performance from three-point range, though he still finished as Minnesota's leading scorer. The superstar has reached the 20-point threshold in five straight games following the All-Star break, and he has tallied multiple blocks in two of them. Additionally, he has now recorded a steal in eight consecutive contests. Since the All-Star break, the Georgia product has averaged 30.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.4 steals per contest.

James (foot) will play Sunday against the Kings.

James was deemed a game-time decision Sunday due to arthritis in his left foot, but he will officially be available for the second leg of this back-to-back set. Over his last five games, the superstar holds averages of 18.2 points, 6.8 assists and 5.2 rebounds in 32.4 minutes per contest.

Randle had 14 points (5-12 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 3-5 FT), nine rebounds, seven assists, one block and one steal over 32 minutes during Sunday's 117-108 win over the Nuggets.

Randle shook off a questionable tag due to lower-back spasms to suit up Sunday. Although he was held scoreless in the first quarter, the veteran forward still finished in double figures after scoring just four points on 1-of-10 shooting during Thursday's win over the Clippers. Randle wasn't very efficient on the offensive end in this one, though he did dish out a team-high mark in assists. The 31-year-old has struggled offensively in five outings since the All-Star break, during which he has averaged 12.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game while shooting 35.7 percent from the field.

McGowens will come off the bench during Sunday's game against the Clippers, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

McGowens will return to a reserve role due to Dejounte Murray (reconditioning) being back in the lineup. In his previous three games in a reserve role, McGowens averaged 9.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 25.3 minutes per contest.

Payton (ankle) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Clippers.

Payton is in danger of missing his first game since Jan. 30 due to a left ankle impingement. If the veteran guard joins Stephen Curry (knee) and Will Richard (ankle) on the sidelines, Pat Spencer and De'Anthony Melton would be candidates for increased minutes, while Nate Williams could enter the rotation.

Richard (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Clippers.

Richard sprained his right ankle in Saturday's loss to the Lakers and will be held out of Monday's contest. His next opportunity to play will come Thursday against Houston. With the rookie second-rounder sidelined, Pat Spencer, Gary Payton (ankle) and De'Anthony Melton are candidates to see a bump in minutes.

Porzingis (illness) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Clippers.

Porzingis will miss a fifth consecutive contest due to an illness, and while he practiced Friday, it's not a positive sign that he's being ruled out a day in advance of Monday's contest. His next opportunity to suit up will come Thursday against the Rockets. In the meantime, Quinten Post will likely remain in the rotation.

Williamson (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Clippers.

Williamson will miss the second leg of the Pelicans' back-to-back set after spraining his right ankle in the second quarter Saturday's win over the Jazz. The absence brings an end to Williamson's streak of 35 consecutive games played -- the longest of his career. With Williamson sidelined Sunday, the Pelicans should have more minutes available in the frontcourt for Derik Queen and Karlo Matkovic.

Drummond will start Sunday's game against the Celtics, Sean Grande of NBC Sports Boston reports.

Drummond did not play in the team's last game despite being available, and he logged just seven minutes in the game before that. However, the veteran center will enter the starting five Sunday due to the absence of Joel Embiid (oblique). In his last three starts, Drummond averaged 7.0 points, 11.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.0 blocks in 23.7 minutes per contest.