Player news from trusted outlets

NBA News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Friday, March 13

Donovan Mitchell Scores 24 Points in Cavaliers' Win Over Mavericks

AutoDraft Pro AI

Donovan Mitchell scored 24 points in the Cavaliers' 138-105 victory over the Mavericks on Friday. Mitchell was particularly effective in the second quarter, scoring 10 points, and added another 12 in the third as Cleveland pulled away to a 35-point lead. The win marks the seventh consecutive victory for the Cavaliers over Dallas. Mitchell remains a primary scoring engine for Cleveland as they prepare for the second game of their home-and-home series on Sunday.

James Harden Contributes 17 Points in Cavaliers' Rout of Mavericks

AutoDraft Pro AI

James Harden finished with 17 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists in Friday's 138-105 win over the Mavericks. Harden has been a consistent offensive threat for Cleveland, scoring 20-plus points in five of his last seven games prior to this outing. As a key facilitator and scorer, he remains central to the Cavaliers' strategy as they prepare for the second leg of their home-and-home series against Dallas on Sunday.

Isaiah Collier to Start Friday Following Keyonte George Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Isaiah Collier will start Friday's game against the Trail Blazers following the news that Keyonte George will miss at least two weeks with a Grade 2 hamstring strain. As a starter this season, Collier has averaged 15.3 points, 8.8 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in 31.2 minutes per contest. He is considered a must-roster player for the remainder of the season given his increased role.

Moses Moody Continues Rehab for Wrist and Shoulder Injuries

AutoDraft Pro AI

Moses Moody missed his fifth consecutive game Friday due to a right wrist sprain and shoulder injury. While sidelined, he is participating in practices and shooting left-handed to maintain conditioning while wearing a brace. The Warriors are optimistic about his recovery, targeting a return during the team's upcoming six-game road trip, with potential availability against the Celtics or Pistons as the team seeks to bolster its depth.

Robert Williams Ruled Out for Friday's Game Against Jazz

AutoDraft Pro AI

Robert Williams has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Utah Jazz due to left knee injury management. While he is sidelined for this contest, he is expected to return for Sunday's game against the 76ers. With Williams unavailable, Sidy Cissoko and Yang Hansen will have the opportunity to enter the Trail Blazers' rotation.

Jalen Smith Ruled Out for Friday's Matchup With Clippers

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jalen Smith (calf) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Clippers. The center is resting on the second night of a back-to-back set but is expected to return for Monday's matchup against Memphis. With Smith sidelined, Guerschon Yabusele and Nick Richards are expected to soak up the available center minutes for the Bulls.

Collin Sexton Remains Out for Third Consecutive Game

AutoDraft Pro AI

Collin Sexton (leg) is out for Friday's game against the Clippers, marking his third consecutive game on the inactive list. He should be considered questionable for Monday's meeting with Memphis. While Sexton remains sidelined, Rob Dillingham will continue to have the opportunity for extended minutes in the backcourt.

Guerschon Yabusele Returns to Starting Lineup Against Clippers

AutoDraft Pro AI

Guerschon Yabusele (foot) will play in Friday's game against the Clippers after missing the previous contest. He is expected to move into the starting lineup with teammate Jalen Smith sidelined. Yabusele is averaging 10.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.1 triples per game with the Bulls this season.

LeBron James Returns to Lead Lakers in Girl Dad Night Victory

AutoDraft Pro AI

LeBron James returned from a three-game absence to record 18 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and a block in a 142-130 win over the Bulls. Embracing a selfless role, James focused on floor spacing and defense while supporting teammates. During the team's "Girl Dad Night," James reflected on fatherhood and his commitment to team success as the Lakers push for a higher Western Conference seed, having won seven of their last eight games.

Ayo Dosunmu Available for Friday's Game Against Warriors

AutoDraft Pro AI

Ayo Dosunmu is available for Friday's game against the Warriors after missing one game due to a thumb injury. His return to the lineup is expected to result in fewer minutes for Terrence Shannon. Dosunmu has been a consistent contributor for the Timberwolves this season, averaging 11.0 points, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 three-pointers per game.

De'Anthony Melton Returns to Action Against Timberwolves

AutoDraft Pro AI

De'Anthony Melton is available for Friday's game against the Timberwolves after missing one contest due to a thigh injury. His return is expected to shift Will Richard back to the second unit. Melton has been a reliable presence for the Warriors this season, averaging 13.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.5 triples, and 1.6 steals per game.

Russell Westbrook Cleared for Return Saturday Against Clippers

AutoDraft Pro AI

Russell Westbrook is set to return to the lineup for Saturday's game against the Clippers after missing Wednesday's loss to Charlotte with a right quadriceps contusion. Westbrook was a full participant in Friday's practice and is not listed on the team's latest injury report. His return is expected to shift Killian Hayes back to the second unit. Over five appearances in March, Westbrook has averaged 17.6 points, 8.6 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 29.4 minutes per game.

Malik Monk Questionable for Saturday's Game Against Clippers

AutoDraft Pro AI

Malik Monk is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Clippers due to an ankle injury. He is in danger of missing his second consecutive game, with his status likely to be determined following shootaround. If Monk is unable to play, the Kings are expected to rely on increased minutes for Killian Hayes and Nique Clifford to fill the void in the rotation.

Marcus Smart Removed From Injury Report for Saturday's Game

AutoDraft Pro AI

Marcus Smart has been removed from the injury report and is set to return for Saturday's game against the Nuggets after a one-game absence due to a hip injury. Smart is expected to resume his usual starting role, which will likely push Rui Hachimura back to the second unit.

Jamal Murray Probable for Saturday Against Lakers

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jamal Murray is listed as probable for Saturday's game against the Lakers due to a left ankle sprain. The injury, which he tweaked during a March 6 loss to the Knicks, has not caused him to miss any time. Murray has been in excellent form, scoring at least 30 points in back-to-back games and averaging 29.9 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.0 rebounds over his last eight outings.

Aaron Gordon Probable for Saturday Return

AutoDraft Pro AI

Aaron Gordon is listed as probable for Saturday's game against the Lakers after missing the previous contest due to a hamstring injury. His return is expected to move Spencer Jones back to the second unit. Official confirmation of Gordon's availability is expected closer to tipoff.

Dorian Finney-Smith to Make First Start of Season

AutoDraft Pro AI

Dorian Finney-Smith will make his first start of the season in Friday's game against the Pelicans. He joins a starting unit that includes Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Kevin Durant, and Jabari Smith. On the season, Finney-Smith is averaging 6.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.6 triples per 36 minutes.

Kristaps Porziņģis Finds Rhythm with Warriors in Season-High Performance

AutoDraft Pro AI

Kristaps Porziņģis is finding his comfort zone with the Warriors, recording a season-high 20 points in a 127-117 loss to Minnesota. After struggling with illness post-trade, the 7-foot-2 forward is now starting and showing improved rhythm, shooting 7-of-16 from the field. Porziņģis also expressed a strong desire to pair with Stephen Curry, noting the team's potential for a postseason push once the star guard returns from a knee injury. He continues to work toward full game shape.

Marvin Bagley Enters Starting Lineup Against Cavs

AutoDraft Pro AI

Marvin Bagley will start in Friday's matchup against the Cavaliers with Daniel Gafford sitting out for rest. Bagley will be joined in the first unit by Cooper Flagg, Max Christie, Ryan Nembhard, and Naji Marshall. As a starter this season, Bagley has produced averages of 13.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per contest.

Tobias Harris Ruled Out Friday with Hip Soreness

AutoDraft Pro AI

Tobias Harris has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Grizzlies due to left hip soreness. The veteran forward will miss the second leg of the back-to-back set, with his next opportunity to play coming Sunday in Toronto. With Harris sidelined, Javonte Green, Isaiah Stewart, and Ronald Holland are candidates for increased playing time.