NBA Player News

Toppin has played and started in each of Indiana’s last two games, though he has logged a grand total of 19 minutes. Pascal Siakam (wrist) is questionable, and if he plays, Toppin will likely come off the bench. Regardless, Toppin won’t play enough to be worth rostering.

Alvarado moved into the starting lineup with Jalen Brunson (ankle) sidelined for this game and took full advantage of the opportunity. He recorded a double-double for the first time this season and provided his usual dose of steals. Knicks coach Mike Brown said he’d “imagine” Brunson is back to take on the Nets on Friday, so this was likely just a one-game stream for Alvarado, though it’s worth keeping an eye on the injury report. It’s also worth noting how good Alvarado was in case Brunson misses more time in the future.

Anunoby has been on fire recently, which has led to some strong performances. He has shot 55.2 percent from the floor over the past two weeks while averaging 21.5 points and 3.1 triples per game during that stretch. this was just another example of an uber-efficient outing, and he’ll look to stay hot in Brooklyn on Friday.

With Jalen Brunson (ankle) sidelined, Hart stepped up on offense with an unreal shooting night. He became the fourth player in franchise history to score at least 30 points while shooting at least 90 percent from the floor, joining Walt Bellamy, Willis Reed and Bernard King. In fact, it’s only happened 104 times in NBA history, though it was the sixth time it has happened this season. Hart was fantastic, though it is unlikely he is able to come close to matching this performance anytime soon.

This was a second straight start for McConnell, and had he scored one extra point on Sunday, this would’ve been a second straight double-double. Still, it was a solid outing for McConnell in just 20 minutes, and he should remain a starter as long as Andrew Nembhard (calf) is sidelined. However, this was the first night of a back-to-back, so keep an eye on the injury report ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Trail Blazers.

Banchero struggled with his shot in Monday’s loss to the Hawks, but he was able to get back on track in this one, even if the end result was another loss. He had his third double-double over his last four games and was efficient from both the floor and free throw line. It hasn’t come consistently, but Banchero has had some excellent performances over the past month. He’ll look to keep it going in Charlotte on Thursday.

After two straight games finishing with nine rebounds, Holmgren finally got over the hump to record a double-double and have his highest rebounding total in a game this month. Blocks have been one of his strongest categories this year, but he has just two total blocks over his last four games. Keep an eye on the injury report ahead of Wednesday’s game against the Nets. On the second night of a back-to-back, he could certainly get the night off.

After barely keeping his 20-point streak alive on Sunday, SGA left nothing to chance in this one to help OKC win its ninth straight game. This was his first 40-point game since January and came at the right time for fantasy managers in the playoffs. It’s worth noting that SGA hasn’t played in a back-to-back since early January, and they take on the tanking Nets on Wednesday. He has only missed one opportunity to play both legs of a back-to-back since then, but managers should still pay close attention to Wednesday’s injury report.

Riley has been a large part of the rotation for most of the past two months, but he only recently became a full-time starter. He has started five straight games, which includes three 20-point games, including two straight. The rookie will continue to see plenty of opportunities over the final month of the season, which should lead to plenty of productive outings like this one.

With Trae Young (quad) sidelined, Carrington moved into the starting unit and ended up having arguably his best offensive performance of the season. He set a new season high for scoring and matched his season high for three-pointers in what was a far more efficient outing than what he typically delivers. If Trae remains out against the Pistons on Thursday, Carrington should be in for another start.

Cade Cunningham (back) exited this game after playing just five minutes, which allowed Jenkins to start the second half and play 21 minutes. He ended up having a productive outing, and he has had success this year when there have been injuries in front of him in the backcourt. They have a back-to-back on Thursday and Friday, so if Cunningham ends up missing time, Jenkins could be in for more strong outings.