NBA debate: How Doc Rivers impacts Bucks, what we're expecting at trade deadline
Our crew of NBA experts debated the Bucks' coaching change, which teams might be getting itchy about making a move and what to expect ahead...JANUARY 25
Nets' Dariq Whitehead working through timeline to return from shin injuryNets rookie Dariq Whitehead was diagnosed with a left shin stress reaction last week and will return to action following a full recovery.
JANUARY 25ā¢USATODAY.COM
Isaiah Hartenstein - Questionable ThursdayHartenstein (Achilles) is questionable for Thursday's game against Denver.
ImpactHartenstein wasn't able to play Tuesday, which resulted in Jericho Sims getting the start with Precious Achiuwa serving as his primary backup. It'll be more of the same if he's out again Thursday, but we'll have a better idea of his availability based on his activity level at shootaround.
JANUARY 24ā¢ROTOWIRE
Cameron Johnson - Questionable ThursdayJohnson (left shoulder contusion) is questionable for Thursday's game against Minnesota, Brian Lewis of the New York Post reports.
ImpactJohnson must have tweaked his shoulder during Tuesday's game, but we'll have a better idea on his status for Thursday based on his activity level at shootaround. If he's not able to give it a go, that would result in more opportunity for guys like Cam Thomas and Royce O'Neale.
JANUARY 24ā¢ROTOWIRE
Nic Claxton - Career-best night on glassClaxton posted eight points (4-9 FG), 17 rebounds, one assist, one block and two steals across 39 minutes during Tuesday's 108-103 loss to the Knicks.
ImpactThe 17 boards were a career high for Claxton, topping the 16 he recorded twice earlier this season, including a New Year's Eve contest against the Thunder. The fifth-year center has pulled down double-digit rebounds in eight of 10 games in January, averaging 13.9 points, 11.3 boards, 1.6 blocks, 1.5 assists and 1.2 steals on the month while shooting 67.4 percent from the floor.
JANUARY 24ā¢ROTOWIRE
Cameron Johnson - Pops for 19 against KnicksJohnson amassed 19 points (7-14 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 1-1 FT), five rebounds and two assists over 25 minutes during Tuesday's 108-103 loss to the Knicks.
ImpactThe fifth-year forward produced his best scoring effort since he dropped 24 points on the Pistons on Boxing Day. Johnson's had a disappointing season so far, and his numbers have been trending in the wrong direction overall -- through 10 games in January he's averaging just 11.8 points, 3.9 boards, 3.1 assists and 2.4 threes while shooting 38.6 percent from the floor and 50.0 percent from the free-throw line. Without a clear explanation for his shooting woes, Johnson's a tough player to keep active, but the upside he showed in 2022-23 makes him risky to drop.
JANUARY 24ā¢ROTOWIRE
Mikal Bridges - Erupts for 36 in Tuesday's lossBridges recorded 36 points (14-26 FG, 7-13 3Pt, 1-2 FT), five rebounds, five assists and one steal across 37 minutes during Tuesday's 108-103 loss to the Knicks.
ImpactWhile the 27-year-old wing topped 25 points for the fifth time in the last seven games, he didn't get a lot of help as only two other Nets even scored in double digits. Bridges is averaging a sizzling 27.7 points, 5.0 boards, 4.1 assists, 3.7 threes and 1.0 steals during his hot streak while shooting 42.6 percent (26-for-61) from beyond the arc.
JANUARY 24ā¢ROTOWIRE
