Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez expects Nic Claxton (personal) to return to the team Monday, Brian Lewis of the New York Post reports. Claxton has been away for personal reasons, missing his second straight game Sunday. He is anticipated to be available for Wednesday's game against the Magic. Day'Ron Sharpe is expected to start Sunday in his absence, providing an attractive daily fantasy target with increased opportunity.
Sam Merrill (ankle) is available for Sunday's game against the Pistons, Spencer Davies of SI.com reports. Merrill returns after a one-game absence and may see an uptick in minutes due to Jarrett Allen's (illness) unavailability. On the season, Merrill is averaging 13.2 points, 2.5 assists, and 3.3 three-pointers per contest for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Jarrett Allen (illness) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Pistons, Spencer Davies of SI.com reports. With Allen unavailable, Evan Mobley is expected to shift to the center position, which will create more minutes for De'Andre Hunter, Jaylon Tyson, and Nae'Qwan Tomlin. Allen's next opportunity to play will be Tuesday in Indiana.
Golden State Warriors star Jimmy Butler offered insights on teammates, describing Buddy Hield as consistently positive, humble, and grateful, respecting his daily contributions. Butler also continues to mentor Jonathan Kuminga, advising him to remain professional and positive despite his uncertain future with the Warriors as the trade deadline approaches. Butler emphasized their strong brotherhood, stating it transcends Kuminga's rotation status or potential trade, highlighting his role as a supportive teammate for the Golden State Warriors.
Golden State Warriors star Jimmy Butler provided a heartfelt description of teammate Buddy Hield, calling him 'goofy' but praising his consistent positive spirit. Butler noted Hield's unwavering smile, jokes, and high spirits, regardless of playing time. He expressed deep respect for Hield's humility, gratitude, and dedication as a great teammate, attributing these qualities to Hield's Caribbean background. Hield's positive vibes are seen as crucial for the Golden State Warriors as the season progresses.
Golden State Warriors' Jonathan Kuminga received sound advice from teammate Jimmy Butler as the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline looms. Butler emphasized their strong brotherhood, assuring Kuminga their relationship won't change despite his uncertain future or recent limited playing time. Butler advised Kuminga to 'be a pro of all pros,' focus on his work, and maintain a positive attitude. Kuminga, averaging 11.3 points, has been benched or played limited minutes recently, with reports suggesting a potential move for the Golden State Warriors.
Jaylen Brown delivered an outstanding performance for the Boston Celtics, tying a career high with 50 points (18-26 FG, 6-10 3Pt, 8-10 FT), five assists, and three rebounds over 35 minutes in their 146-115 win over the Clippers on Saturday. He stepped up significantly in the absence of Jayson Tatum (Achilles) and helped limit Kawhi Leonard to 22 points. Over the Celtics' recent 12-3 stretch, Brown has averaged 31.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 2.2 threes, and 1.0 steals.
Fantasy basketball analyst Steve Alexander highlighted Kawhi Leonard as a player trending upward, noting his dominance in the box score and strong output, suggesting he is a valuable asset. However, in the recent 146-115 loss to the Celtics on Saturday night, Leonard was limited to 22 points. This performance came despite earlier positive evaluations, indicating a mixed recent outlook for the Clippers star. The analysis aims to inform fantasy decisions by pinpointing significant shifts in player value.
Derrick White delivered an efficient performance for the Boston Celtics in their 146-115 win over the Clippers, recording 29 points (10-20 FG, 5-12 3Pt, 4-5 FT), four rebounds, seven assists, a steal, and two blocks across 37 minutes. White's strong outing complemented Jaylen Brown's 50-point game. He has now scored 20 or more points in three of his last five outings and has drained two or more three-pointers in 17 straight contests.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) was available for Saturday's game against the Knicks, successfully shedding his probable tag. He capped the team's 130-119 win over the Knicks with his first dunk of the season, an uncontested two-handed jam. Embiid has been highly productive over his last two appearances, averaging 28.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 0.5 three-pointers per game, fueling the rising Sixers.
Stephen Curry was cleared to play Saturday vs. the Jazz after missing one game with an ankle injury. He then erupted for 31 points (8-18 FG, 6-12 3Pt, 9-9 FT), five assists, two rebounds, and one steal in 34 minutes during the Warriors' 123-114 victory. Curry scored 20 points in the third quarter and hit six three-pointers, extending his streak of 26+ points to seven games. Over his last seven outings, he's averaged 28.6 points, 4.9 assists, 3.6 rebounds, 4.3 threes, and 0.9 steals.
Warriors forward Draymond Green was ejected from Saturday's game against the Jazz in the second quarter, marking his second ejection in two weeks and ninth technical foul this season. He received two quick technicals for arguing an uncalled three-second violation on Kyle Filipowski. Before his exit, Green contributed 8 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block in 12 minutes. This continues a turbulent season for Green, who was also ejected Dec. 20 and had a heated argument with coach Steve Kerr, contributing to the Warriors' 18-17 record.
Lauri Markkanen was cleared to return from a left knee bruise for Saturday's game against the Warriors, after missing one contest. He made an immediate impact, logging a game-high 35 points (15-27 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 3-4 FT), six rebounds, and one assist in 41 minutes during the Jazz's 123-114 loss. This marks his fifth 35-point performance this season. Over his last 10 outings since December 1, Markkanen has averaged 27.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 2.5 threes, and 1.2 steals.
Dallas Mavericks' Anthony Davis delivered a strong performance in Saturday's 110-104 win over the Rockets, recording 26 points (9-15 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 8-9 FT), 12 rebounds, and three assists in 39 minutes. He secured his 11th double-double of the season, starting strong with 12 points in the first quarter. Davis also made a significant defensive impact with a season-high five blocked shots, his most in a game since April 11. Playing 37 and 39 minutes in his last two outings suggests he has recovered from a right adductor injury that caused him to miss two games.
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant posted 34 points (14-26 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 4-5 FT), seven assists, five rebounds, and three blocks in 38 minutes during Saturday's 110-104 loss to the Mavericks. Durant started and finished strong, scoring 14 points in the first quarter and 12 in the fourth. This marks his third game with 30-plus points in his last four outings, and he hasn't scored under 20 points since December 11. Over his last 10 games, Durant has averaged 27.5 points on 57.3% shooting, 6.1 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks across 37.3 minutes per contest.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija posted his third triple-double of the campaign in Saturday's 115-110 win over the Spurs. He finished with 29 points (9-23 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 8-11 FT), 11 rebounds, 10 assists, and a block across 39 minutes. Avdija carried the Blazers offensively, marking his ninth game with at least 10 assists and sixth with 10 or more boards.
Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges delivered a strong performance in Saturday's 112-99 win over the Bulls, recording 26 points (11-18 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 1-1 FT), a season-high 14 rebounds, and one assist in 35 minutes. This marked his fifth double-double of the season and third since December 14. Bridges has scored at least 25 points in consecutive games, averaging 18.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.1 threes over his last 12 outings.
New York Knicks forward Karl-Anthony Towns (illness) returned to play in Saturday's game against the 76ers after missing Friday's game. He delivered an impressive performance in the 130-119 loss, recording 23 points (6-16 FG, 11-12 FT), 14 rebounds, two assists, and two steals across 34 minutes. This marked his eighth double-double in 13 appearances since December and his fourth consecutive game with at least 20 points. His availability meant Ariel Hukporti returned to the second unit.
Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker led both teams in scoring with 31 points (10-19 FG, 6-11 3Pt, 5-5 FT), adding four rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 36 minutes during Saturday's 134-117 loss to the Raptors. Starting in Trae Young's absence (quadriceps) for the fourth consecutive game, Alexander-Walker has averaged 23.8 points, 3.5 assists, 3.0 rebounds, 4.5 threes, and 1.5 steals over that span. He connected on at least six three-pointers for the fifth time this season.
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star point guard Tyrese Maxey delivered a stellar performance in Saturday's 130-119 win over the Knicks, scoring 36 points (14-22 FG, 6-9 3Pt, 2-4 FT), along with eight rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and one steal in 37 minutes. Maxey needed just 22 shots to reach 36 points, hitting a game-high six three-pointers. This marks his third consecutive game with at least 30 points and his 17th such game this season, showcasing his increased role alongside Paul George and Joel Embiid.
