NBA Player News

Vucevic supplied 28 points (9-13 FG, 3-3 3Pt, 7-7 FT), 11 rebounds, four assists and one steal over 25 minutes during the Celtics' 148-111 win over the Nets on Friday.

Vucevic struggled during the Celtics' four-game road trip, when he averaged 7.0 points and 6.3 rebounds over 22.8 minutes while connecting on just 39.4 percent of his field-goal attempts. He looked much better at TD Garden, scoring 10 and 11 points in the first and third quarters, respectively, while leading Boston in rebounds en route to his third double-double in eight games with the Celtics. Perhaps playing on the parquet floor was enough for Vucevic to break out of his recent slump, and the good news for him is that the Celtics will be at home for three of their next four games, starting with Sunday's Atlantic Division clash against the 76ers.

Brown registered 28 points (9-12 FG, 4-4 3Pt, 6-10 FT), nine assists, seven rebounds, two steals and one block over 30 minutes during the Celtics' 148-111 win over the Nets on Friday.

Brown entered Friday's game having connected on just 34.7 percent of his field-goal attempts over his last two outings, and it looked like he was going to have another rough night after missing his first four free-throw attempts and each of his first two tries from the field. However, Brown settled in after a slow start, scoring 26 of his 28 points across the second and third quarters and co-leading the Celtics in scoring with Nikola Vucevic while also leading the team in assists. Brown has embraced his role as the clear No. 1 option this season, though Jayson Tatum has been progressing ahead of schedule in his recovery from a torn right Achilles. It will be interesting to see what Brown's usage would look like if Tatum is indeed cleared to return to NBA action this season.

Head coach Jason Kidd said Friday that Flagg (foot) "probably" won't be ready to play by Tuesday's game against the Hornets, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

Flagg hasn't played since Feb. 10 due to a left mid-foot sprain, and he's likely to miss Sunday's game against the Thunder as well as Tuesday's game against the Hornets. He should be considered doubtful for both contests until Dallas offers an update on his progress. With the rookie sidelined, Brandon Williams, Caleb Martin (back) and Naji Marshall are candidates to see increased minutes.

Wiggins is not in the Thunder's lineup against the Nuggets on Friday, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports.

Wiggins drew the start in Wednesday's 124-116 loss to the Pistons, finishing with 20 points, six assists, four rebounds, one steal, one block and two three-pointers over 35 minutes. However, he'll move to the bench along with Jaylin Williams and Isaiah Joe for Friday's contest while Oklahoma City rolls with a starting five of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cason Wallace, Luguentz Dort, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein.

Joe is not in the Thunder's starting lineup against the Nuggets on Friday, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports.

Joe has started four of the Thunder's last eight games (including each of the last three contests) and has averaged 17.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 4.0 threes and 1.9 steals over 25.3 minutes per game over that span. He'll revert to a bench role for Friday's contest due to the return of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who will join Cason Wallace, Luguentz Dort, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein in the starting lineup.

Williams won't start against Denver on Friday, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports.

With Chet Holmgren (back) and Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) back in the lineup, Williams will retreat to the bench. Over nine appearances with the second unit this month, the big man has averaged 7.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 18.9 minutes per contest.

Pickett (knee) is available for Friday's game against Oklahoma City, Katy Winge of Altitude Sports reports.

Pickett will shake off his questionable tag and return from a two-game absence due to right knee soreness. However, the 26-year-old guard isn't guaranteed to see meaningful playing time Friday.

Strawther (toe) is available for Friday's game against the Thunder, Katy Winge of Altitude Sports reports.

Strawther has been on the Nuggets' injury report as of late while working through a left toe sprain, but the issue has not been severe enough for him to miss any time, and he'll suit up for Friday's contest. Strawther has started in each of Denver's last seven games and has averaged 15.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 2.3 threes and 1.0 steals over 26.4 minutes per contest over that span.

Jones (shoulder) will play in Friday's game against the Thunder, Katy Winge of Altitude Sports reports.

Jones will shed his questionable tag due to a right shoulder strain and suit up for a fifth consecutive contest. Over his last four outings, the 24-year-old forward has averaged 5.0 points and 5.3 rebounds in 21.3 minutes per game off the bench.

Murray (illness) is available for Friday's game against the Thunder, Katy Winge of Altitude Sports reports.

Murray was pulled from the Nuggets' win over the Celtics on Wednesday due to an illness, but he has progressed enough in his recovery to suit up for Friday's Western Conference battle. He had scored at least 20 points in seven of eight games prior to Wednesday's contest and averaged 25.6 points, 7.4 assists, 4.9 rebounds, 2.8 threes and 0.8 steals over 34.8 minutes per game in that span.