Islanders’ Matt Martin proves worth — even when he’s not in lineup

LAS VEGAS — The value of a player like Matt Martin is sometimes more apparent when he's not in the lineup. It was the same Tuesday against Colorado after Samuel Girard hit Robert Bortuzzo with a hit along the wall that got little response from the Islanders. Two days later, Martin quickly returned to action, […]
Brady Dunlap thriving after joining St. John’s starting lineup

Villanova, Pa. — Moved into the starting lineup from outside the rotation. Freshman wing Brady Dunlap suddenly became an important part of this St. John's team. He made a surprising contribution to Tuesday's win over Butler, but he lost Saturday's 81-71 victory over Villanova at Finneran Pavilion. Dunlap scored a career-high 15 points in 31 […]
Lonnie Walker IV returns to Nets lineup after hamstring injury

When he last appeared, Lonnie Walker IV was emerging as a useful piece to a competitive Nets team that was on the rise. The Nets won three straight games against the Heat, Bulls, and Raptors to get over .500, and Walker quickly established himself as a candidate for Sixth Man of the Year. Then, during […]
Ben Simmons takes small step closer toward return to Nets’ lineup

Friday represented progress for Ben Simmons. Not much progress yet, but better than the Nets' replacement team. For the first time since November, Simmons increased his participation in practices and progressed to working out with coaches. Simmons, who missed his 29th straight game on Friday with a compressed nerve in his left lower back, has […]
Ben Simmons, Lonnie Walker IV close in on return to Nets lineup

NEW ORLEANS — The Nets' backcourt is nearing completion, with Lonnie Walker IV nearing a return and Ben Simmons taking big steps in his rehab, according to officials. Multiple sources told The Post that Simmons is “making good progress” in his recovery from nerve damage in his left lower back. Both said the point guard […]