Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Daniss Jenkins contributed 17 points for the Detroit Pistons in their 112-104 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pistons never trailed in the game, securing their fourth straight win. Jenkins' performance helped the Eastern Conference-leading team continue its strong run, showcasing his offensive capabilities in a crucial road win and contributing to the team's overall dominance.
Saddiq Bey scored 20 points to lead the Western Conference-worst New Orleans Pelicans in their 112-104 loss to the Detroit Pistons. The Pelicans have now lost 14 of their last 16 games. Despite Bey's efforts, New Orleans never held a lead in the game, struggling to overcome the Pistons' consistent offense. His individual scoring was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing team performance.
Duncan Robinson scored 15 points, shooting 4 of 9 from 3-point range, for the Detroit Pistons in their 112-104 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. The Eastern Conference-leading Pistons never trailed, cruising to their fourth straight win and seventh in their last eight games. His efficient shooting from beyond the arc was a key factor in maintaining their lead throughout the contest.
Jalen Duren notched his 20th double-double of the season, becoming the ninth player to reach this milestone, by generating 20 points (7-11 FG, 6-6 FT), 15 rebounds, three assists, one steal, and two blocks across 30 minutes in Wednesday's 112-104 win over the Pelicans. This marks his eighth game of the campaign with at least 15 rebounds. The 22-year-old center is currently averaging 17.8 points and 10.9 rebounds across 35 appearances this season, showcasing consistent strong performance.
Pascal Siakam generated 32 points (12-21 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 4-6 FT), 10 rebounds, and four assists across 33 minutes during Wednesday's 119-104 loss to Boston. This performance marked his third double-double in the last seven games and his ninth 30-point game of the season. Over his last seven appearances, Siakam has been averaging 24.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists across 33.3 minutes, showing a significant uptick in production for the Pacers.
Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss issued a statement addressing reports of her criticism of LeBron James. She stated, "It’s really not right, given all the great things LeBron has done for the Lakers, that he has to be pulled into my family drama. To say that it wasn’t appreciated is just not true and completely unfair to him.” Earlier reports indicated Buss privately considered trading James in 2022 and felt he lacked accountability for the Russell Westbrook acquisition and was ungrateful for Bronny's drafting. James has not publicly commented.
Jaylon Tyson scored 14 points for the Cleveland Cavaliers in their 94-87 road victory over the Charlotte Hornets. The Cavaliers held the Hornets to just 32 points in the first half on 26% shooting, securing their fifth road win in the last six games. His contribution helped the team establish an early 21-point first-quarter lead and maintain control throughout the contest, demonstrating solid offensive support.
Brandon Miller finished with 24 points for the Charlotte Hornets in their 94-87 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Miller helped cut the deficit to four points late in the game with a 3-pointer and a driving layup. The Hornets struggled from beyond the arc, making just 8 of 46 attempts, and were outrebounded 60-47. Despite his strong individual scoring effort, it wasn't enough to secure a victory.
Kon Knueppel recorded his fourth double-double of the season with 21 points (8-21 FG), 11 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal in 31 minutes during Wednesday's 94-87 loss to the Cavaliers. The rookie is currently leading the midseason Rookie of the Year race, ahead of Cooper Flagg, due to his historic efficiency. He's posting top-60 numbers on the year, averaging 19.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 3.4 triples per game. He contributed to cutting the deficit to four points late in the game.
Donovan Mitchell scored 24 points, setting the tone with 14 points in the first half, as the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Charlotte Hornets 94-87 on Wednesday night. The Cavaliers jumped out to a 21-point first-quarter lead, securing their fifth road win in the last six games. Mitchell was previously highlighted in SportsLine's top NBA player props for Wednesday, indicating strong confidence in his performance.
Evan Mobley recorded his 16th double-double of the season with 14 points (6-13 FG), 14 rebounds (tied season high), 1 steal, and 3 blocks in 35 minutes during Wednesday's 94-87 win over Charlotte. He blocked at least three shots for the fourth time in five games. While he dominated the first half, his offensive production decreased in the second. The Cavaliers are looking for increased offensive consistency from Mobley, hoping he can consistently score 20+ points with Darius Garland sidelined.
Jaylen Brown posted his seventh double-double of the season, and second straight 30-point double-double, with 30 points (11-22 FG), 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals in 34 minutes during Wednesday's 119-104 win over the Pacers. He briefly exited due to hamstring tightness but returned. Brown was recently named an All-Star starter for the first time. In January, he's averaging 30.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.5 triples per game.
Sam Hauser scored 17 points for the Boston Celtics, hitting five 3-pointers, in their 119-104 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Hauser made his first three attempts from beyond the arc in the game's opening minutes, helping the Celtics build an early 23-point first-half lead. His efficient shooting was a critical factor in the team's offensive outburst and overall dominant performance.
Neemias Queta recorded 17 points and nine rebounds for the Boston Celtics in their 119-104 victory over the Indiana Pacers. The Celtics bounced back from a previous loss, opening a 23-point first-half lead and maintaining control throughout the game. His strong performance off the bench provided valuable support for the team's dominant win, contributing significantly to their rebounding and interior presence.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson was ruled out for the remainder of Wednesday's game against Detroit due to illness, after initially being cleared to play despite being a late addition to the injury report. He attempted to play through the issue, logging 4 points (2-5 FG, 0-3 FT) and 4 rebounds across 15 minutes before exiting. His next chance to play will be Friday at Memphis. Since re-entering the starting lineup on December 29, Williamson has been averaging 23.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.2 steals across 12 games. Karlo Matkovic and Micah Peavy are expected to see increased minutes.
Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili will start Wednesday's game against the Kings, replacing Gradey Dick in the first unit. Across eight starts this season, Mamukelashvili has posted averages of 15.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.5 triples, and 1.0 steals per game. This increased role comes amidst Jakob Poeltl's continued absence due to a lower-back strain, highlighting Mamukelashvili's significant contribution at center.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game in Milwaukee. This marks his ninth start this season, where he will be joined in the first unit by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cason Wallace, Luguentz Dort, and Chet Holmgren. As a starter, Mitchell has produced averages of 16.4 points, 4.4 assists, 3.8 rebounds, 1.5 triples, and 1.5 steals per game, indicating a consistent impact when given extended minutes.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Harris is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's matchup with the Thunder, marking his first start of the season. He will be joined in the starting five by Ryan Rollins, AJ Green, Kyle Kuzma, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Harris is considered a low-end, three-point specialist in deep leagues, suggesting his role will primarily involve perimeter shooting and potentially increased minutes due to other team absences.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter (oblique strain) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Thunder and is expected to miss multiple games, with coach Doc Rivers stating he won't play "any time soon." There is currently no official timetable for his return. His absence will create significant minutes in the Milwaukee backcourt, with Gary Trent, Gary Harris, and Cole Anthony likely to see increased playing time. Fantasy managers are advised to place him in an injury reserve spot.
Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (lower-back strain) is out for Wednesday's game against the Kings and is not with the team on their road trip, as he is seeing a specialist in Toronto on Thursday. Sidelined since December 21, Poeltl continues to have no timetable for a return and is likely out for the remainder of the West Coast road trip, which ends Sunday. In his absence, Sandro Mamukelashvili is expected to continue playing a significant role at center, particularly with rookie Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) also sidelined.
