NBA Player News

Adebayo notched 29 points (10-20 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 5-8 FT), 14 rebounds, three assists and one steal over 36 minutes during Thursday's 124-117 loss to the 76ers.

Adebayo was hot to start Thursday's game, and he secured his double-double by halftime. The 28-year-old center has been heating up in February with averages of 20.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.7 triples and 1.1 steals per game.

Durant logged 40 points (14-28 FG, 2-10 3Pt, 10-10 FT), eight rebounds, three assists and two steals over 40 minutes during the Rockets' 113-108 win over the Magic on Thursday.

It was a vintage performance out of the 37-year-old future Hall of Famer, who scored 26 of his game-high 40 points in the second half to propel the Rockets to a come-from-behind victory. Durant's scoring barrage moved him up to 32,006 points in his storied NBA career, and he is within striking distance of passing Michael Jordan (32,292 points) for the fifth-most points in league history. It was also Durant's 431rd career game with 30-plus points, which is tied with Kobe Bryant for fifth most all time. In five games since the All-Star break, Durant has averaged 28.8 points on 53.0 percent shooting along with 6.2 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 2.8 threes, 0.8 steals and 0.8 blocks over 35.2 minutes per game.

Knueppel ended with 28 points (10-17 FG, 8-12 3Pt), four rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal over 31 minutes during Thursday's 133-109 win over the Pacers.

Knueppel put on a shooting display Thursday evening and tied the best mark of his young NBA career by knocking down eight threes, which is something he also accomplished Jan. 29 against Dallas. Following this impressive performance from deep, the Duke product now holds the NBA record for most made threes in a season by a rookie with 207. Knueppel has put up 20-plus points in four straight games and has shown no sign of slowing down.

Miller supplied 33 points (11-19 FG, 6-11 3Pt, 5-6 FT), seven rebounds, four assists and one steal in 26 minutes during Thursday's 133-109 victory over the Pacers.

Miller paced the Hornets in the scoring column with the help of six triples. He's been deadly from beyond the arc over his last three matchups, as he's drilled 59.3 percent of his tries from deep during that hot stretch. Miller also managed to add value on the opposite end by racking up at least one steal for a third straight game.

Smith went to the locker room at the 1:42 mark of the fourth quarter in Thursday's game against the Magic due to a right ankle injury, Varun Shankar of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Smith appeared to roll his right ankle when he stepped on Alperen Sengun's foot while on defense, and the former was accompanied by medical staff to the locker room. Assuming his night is done, Smith will finish with 13 points (6-7 FG, 1-1 3Pt), one rebound and one assist over 29 minutes. Josh Okogie and Reed Sheppard should see more minutes down the stretch.

Utah will re-evaluate Markkanen in two weeks after Thursday's MRI showed symptomatic hip impingement with associated inflammation and bone bruise, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

Markkanen suffered the injury during Wednesday's practice, and he's now set to miss at least two weeks while on the mend. John Konchar, Brice Sensabaugh and Kyle Filipowski should all see more chances to produce in Markkanen's absence.

Konchar is starting Thursday's game against the Pelicans.

Lauri Markkanen (ankle) is out for Thursday's clash, opening the door for Konchar to join the first unit. This marks his second start in three days. The 29-year-old finished with six points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals over 31 minutes in Friday's start against the Grizzlies.

Sarr (hamstring) is being considered week-to-week, Wizards' sideline reporter Meghan McPeak reports.

Sarr hasn't take the court since Feb. 8 due to a right hamstring strain, and this update indicates that he'll miss at least three additional matchups. Tristan Vukcevic should continue to see starts at center until Sarr is ready to return.

Batum is in the starting lineup for Thursday's matchup with the Timberwolves, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

Joining Batum in the first unit for Thursday's game will be Kris Dunn, Bennedict Mathurin, Derrick Jones and Brook Lopez. Across four starts this season, Batum has recorded averages of 3.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 triples per contest.

Mathurin will start Thursday's game against the Timberwolves, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

Mathurin will make his first start since Jan. 2, as he'll be asked to fill in for Kawhi Leonard (ankle). Mathurin has been on a tear off the bench since joining the Clippers, averaging 22.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.8 steals across 30.6 minutes (five games).