NBA Player News

Atlanta never recovered after getting off to a brutal start, shooting 35 percent (17-of-48) in the opening half while allowing the Celtics to erupt for 81 first-half points on 63 percent shooting (30-of-48), resulting in a massive 31-point deficit at the break. Simply put, they never recovered. Okongwu has topped 20 points in back-to-back contests and is averaging 16.4 point and 7.9 boards through 42 games this season, delivering third-round fantasy value. The Hawks are in line for a three-game week coming up with matchups against the Bucks, Grizzlies and Suns.

Butler injured his right knee early in the third quarter, as his leg buckled inward on a drive to the basket. He remained down on the court for several minutes before walking back to the locker room with the assistance of two teammates. More will be learned about the severity of Butler’s injury on Tuesday, but a prolonged absence could be a crushing blow to the Warriors’ postseason hopes.

Harris exited early from Saturday’s game, though the reason wasn’t specified. However, if there was something bothering him then, it didn’t seem to carry over into this game. His 25 points were the most he’s had in a game since November. He hasn’t been a great fantasy option this season, but since returning from a five-game absence with a hip injury, he has been effective. He’ll look to remain hot in New Orleans on Wednesday.

Cunningham was named an All-Star starter earlier in the day, and while he didn’t have an effective night as a shooter, he was able to record a double-double. His work as a playmaker made up for the lack of scoring, and it was enough for Detroit to get the win. It has been a rough three-game stretch for him as a scorer, and he’ll look to get back on track in New Orleans on Wednesday.

White has had an excellent season despite a poor field goal percentage, but the last few games have been rough for him as a scorer. Over his last three games, White is averaging 6.3 points per game on 22.7 percent shooting. However, he’s also averaging 6.7 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.7 blocks per game during that stretch. He’ll get back on track offensively, but it is encouraging that he can still make an impact even when he’s ineffective as a scorer.

Pritchard was back in the lineup after missing his first game of the season on Saturday. The game before that, he was held to a season-low two points, but he was able to get back on track in this one. He didn’t contribute big numbers, but he was efficient as a scorer. Pritchard has been productive for most of the season and should have no issues getting back on track against the Pacers on Wednesday.