NBA Player News

McDaniels has mostly been a source of defensive stats this season, especially recently. He has had at least two steals in five straight games and is averaging 2.3 stocks per game this year. However, he was able to get it done on the offensive end as well in this one. He set a new season-high for points and rebounds while playing a season-high 42 minutes. McDaniels has been one of the best defenders in the league for a few years, but this is the first time that it has truly shown up in the box score. He’ll look to keep it up in Boston on Sunday.

For the second time in four games, Murray reached double figures in assists. He didn’t do as much scoring on Saturday, which is a credit to San Antonio’s Stephon Castle, but the Nuggets’ offensive balance carried the day in their overtime victory. All five starters scored at least 15 points on the day. Murray and the Nuggets play four games in Week 24, starting with the Trail Blazers on Monday.

Johnson has now made multiple three-pointers in seven consecutive games, providing the consistent production in that category that was absent for significant stretches earlier this season. Better late than never for those who stuck with the Nuggets wing throughout this season. For those whose leagues run through the end of the regular season, Denver plays four games in Week 24, starting with the Trail Blazers on Monday.

Braun’s points tally has increased in each of his last four games. Saturday’s effort was his first of 20 points or more since March 18, when the Nuggets’ guard dropped 26 in a loss to the Grizzlies. Braun did more than score against the Spurs, recording a complete stat line in 39 minutes of play. These are the kind of all-around performances that Denver will need from Braun moving forward, even if he doesn’t surpass 20 points consistently.

If Saturday’s overtime thriller was a harbinger of what’s to come in the playoffs, NBA fans are in for a great spring. Jokić outdueled Victor Wembanyama in a matchup of two of the candidates for league MVP, with the three-time winner of the award finishing two boards shy of a triple-double. The Joker shot 52 percent from the field and did not commit a turnover in the Nuggets’ final game of Week 23. Fantasy managers rostering Jokić may have received a league-winning performance on Saturday.

The 76ers have made two changes to their starting lineup, one caused by Joel Embiid (oblique) being out. He’s been replaced by Drummond instead of Adem Bona, while Oubre has replaced Dominick Barlow in the starting five.

George was initially probable, so the status upgrade was expected. With Joel Embiid sitting, the Pistons should run more of their offense through George and Tyrese Maxey.