Drew Gooden exploded in 39 minutes vs. the Mavericks on Tuesday, posting 26 points and 20 rebounds (both season-highs), with two assists, two steals and one block.Gooden was a man possessed against his former teammates, connecting on 8-of-21 FGs and a perfect 10-of-10 FTs. He had just one double-double in the previous six games

Kevin Durant quickly recovered after Sunday’s dismal effort, scoring 45 points (15-of-24 FGs, 14-of-15 FTs) in Monday’s loss to the visiting Spurs. Durant is averaging 29.5 ppg this season and projects as a top-three MVP candidate. He added one 3-pointer, eight rebounds and three blocks but couldn’t prevent OKC from falling into a tie with the San Antonio Spurs for sixth place in the West.

Hornets coach Jeff Bower said after Saturday’s game that he expects Chris Paul (knee) to return at some point in the following week. “We will be seeing him soon,” Bower said. “Probably next week at some point; hopefully earlier in the week.

Tyreke Evans left Friday’s game against the Bucks with a concussion and is having X-rays taken currently to see if he has a fractured jaw according to the Kings’ broadcast crew.

Dwyane Wade scored 36 points on 12-of-26 shooting (including three 3-pointers) with 10 rebounds, seven assists, a steal, and a block in the Heat’s 108-102 overtime loss to the Magic on Thursday. He is playing like a man possessed lately, averaging 32.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 2.2 steals per game in the month of March.

Stephen Curry will not play on Wednesday due to a sprained left ankle. He was fine at shootaround today, but it acted up on him when he returned to the arena. C.J. Watson is probably in for big minutes and production tonight with this news. Curry will likey finish second in rookie of the year voting to Evans.

Thaddeus Young has a fractured right thumb and is out indefinitely. So much for Thadd just having a cracked thumbnail. His thumb will be placed in a removable cast and he’s been ruled out for Wednesday’s game against the New Jersey Nets. The only good news is that the injury is to Young’s non-shooting hand, but there is no timetable for his return. This means Lou Williams’ spot in the starting five should be safe going forward.

Deron Williams aggravated his shoulder during Sunday’s loss to the Thunder, and briefly left the game, but returned and finished with 27 points on 8-of-14 shooting (including a three) with two rebounds, 14 assists, and a steal.

Derrick Rose will have an MRI on Friday to evaluate his left wrist that he sprained in Thursday’s game against the Magic. “Derrick has a sprained wrist,” coach Vinny Del Negro said.

Terrence Williams came off the bench for 18 points, 13 rebounds and three assists in 30 minutes of work on Thursday. With Yi Jianian (ankle) out 7-10 days and Chris Douglas-Roberts (ankle) also sidelined, Williams is going to get consistent minutes. The rookie is averaging 13.5 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists over his last six games.