AutoDraft Pro
Get the app

Player news from trusted outlets

NBA News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Friday, January 9

Bryce McGowens Starting Friday for Pelicans; 10th Start of Season

AutoDraft Pro AI

Bryce McGowens is in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Wizards, marking his 10th start of the season for the New Orleans Pelicans. He will join Jeremiah Fears, Trey Murphy, Zion Williamson, and Derik Queen in the first unit. As a starter this season, McGowens has averaged 10.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.9 triples, and 0.9 steals per game. However, with Trey Murphy returning from injury, fewer minutes will be available for McGowens.

Sandro Mamukelashvili Starting Friday for Raptors Due to Barnes Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Sandro Mamukelashvili is in the starting lineup for the Toronto Raptors' Friday game in Boston, stepping in due to Scottie Barnes' knee unavailability. He will join Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Ja'Kobi Walter, and Collin Murray-Boyles in the first unit. In his seven starts this season, Mamukelashvili has averaged 15.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 2.9 three-pointers, and 1.1 steals per game.

Joel Embiid Available for Friday's Game vs. Magic After Knee Upgrade

AutoDraft Pro AI

Joel Embiid (knee) has been upgraded to available for Friday's game against the Orlando Magic, marking his sixth consecutive game. He was initially listed as questionable. Embiid has been in strong form recently, averaging 28.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.0 blocks over his last three games, including a 28-point performance Wednesday. While he is expected to play Friday, the 76ers face a back-to-back set on Sunday and Monday, which could influence his availability or minutes in those upcoming games.

P.J. Washington Out Saturday with Ankle Injury; Doubtful for Monday

AutoDraft Pro AI

Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game in Chicago, marking his third consecutive game on the inactive list. He is considered doubtful for Monday's matchup against the Nets. Washington's absence comes as he was expected to see increased minutes due to Anthony Davis's recent hand ligament damage, which will sideline Davis for months.

Tristan da Silva Out Friday for Magic with Back Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers due to a back injury. With da Silva unavailable, Jett Howard could potentially slot into the starting lineup, and more minutes will be available for Jonathan Isaac. His next opportunity to play will be on Sunday when the Magic face the New Orleans Pelicans.

Derrick White Among NBA's Hottest Players This Week

AutoDraft Pro AI

Boston Celtics guard Derrick White has been highlighted as one of the NBA's "hottest players" this week, indicating a strong upward trend in his performance. Further analysis on his specific contributions and impact is available in the full report.

Michael Porter Cleared for Friday's Game vs. Clippers; Continues Hot Streak

AutoDraft Pro AI

Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter is officially available for Friday's game against the Clippers, despite previously being listed as probable due to right knee soreness from a collision Wednesday. Porter has been in excellent form, averaging 28.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 4.8 three-pointers over his last four contests, confirming his readiness to play. He was also highlighted as one of the league's "hottest players" this week.

Nic Claxton Returns to Starting Lineup for Friday's Game vs. Clippers

AutoDraft Pro AI

Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton will return to the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Clippers. He previously operated under a minutes restriction off the bench in Wednesday's loss to Orlando, following a two-game absence due to personal reasons. His return means Day'Ron Sharpe will move back to the second unit. Over his last five starts, Claxton has averaged 13.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 29.2 minutes per game.

Scottie Barnes Ruled Out for Friday's Game vs. Celtics with Knee Sprain

AutoDraft Pro AI

Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Boston due to a knee sprain sustained Wednesday versus the Hornets. He was initially listed as questionable and then doubtful, with the team exercising caution. With Brandon Ingram (thumb) also sidelined, Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett are expected to see a significant uptick in usage, while Gradey Dick, Ochai Agbaji, and Collin Murray-Boyles will likely see increased minutes. Barnes' next opportunity to play is Sunday against the 76ers, the first of a back-to-back set.

Brandon Ingram Out for Friday's Game vs. Celtics with Right Thumb Sprain

AutoDraft Pro AI

Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (thumb) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Boston due to a right thumb sprain, his first absence all year after leaving Wednesday's win in Charlotte. He was initially a game-time decision and participated in shootaround, but the injury affects his shooting hand. Ingram is considered day-to-day, with his next chance to play Sunday against the 76ers. With Scottie Barnes (knee) also out, Gradey Dick, Ja'Kobe Walter, and Jamal Shead are prime candidates to start.

Cade Cunningham Questionable for Saturday's Game vs. Clippers with Wrist Issue

AutoDraft Pro AI

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (wrist) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Clippers. He missed Wednesday's win over the Bulls due to the wrist issue, which led to Jaden Ivey starting and Daniss Jenkins seeing extended minutes with the second unit. If Cunningham is sidelined again, a similar rotation is expected. His status for Saturday will be clearer after his activity level at shootaround.

Jalen Duren Out for Fourth Straight Game Saturday with Right Ankle Sprain

AutoDraft Pro AI

Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Clippers, marking his fourth consecutive absence due to a right ankle sprain. His next opportunity to play will be Thursday's matchup against the Suns. With Duren and Tobias Harris (hip) remaining sidelined, Paul Reed, Ronald Holland, and Isaiah Stewart are expected to see increased playing time for the Pistons.

Devin Vassell Out for Sixth Straight Game Saturday with Left Adductor Strain

AutoDraft Pro AI

San Antonio Spurs forward Devin Vassell (left adductor strain) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against Boston, marking his sixth consecutive absence. There has been no change in his status. His next opportunity to play will be Sunday's game in Minnesota. While Vassell remains sidelined, Julian Champagnie and Keldon Johnson are expected to continue seeing increased roles and a boost in fantasy value.

Anthony Davis Out Months with Hand Ligament Damage; Surgery Possible, Impacts Trade Market

AutoDraft Pro AI

Mavericks star Anthony Davis sustained ligament damage in his left hand, expected to miss 'a number of months,' potentially past the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Surgery is possible, and he will get a second opinion. This significant blow complicates any potential trade discussions for Dallas, who confirmed the injury. Davis has a history of injuries, playing only 29 games since his acquisition, and is due $58.5M next season. His absence opens minutes for PJ Washington, Naji Marshall, Klay Thompson, and Caleb Martin. The Hawks and Warriors had expressed trade interest, but his latest setback could chill the market.

Andrew Nembhard Questionable for Saturday's Game vs. Heat with Back Soreness

AutoDraft Pro AI

Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (back) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Miami Heat due to lower-back soreness. He is in jeopardy of missing his second consecutive game. If the 25-year-old point guard is not cleared to play, T.J. McConnell, Quenton Jackson, and Ben Sheppard are candidates to see an uptick in minutes for the Pacers.

Julius Randle Questionable for Saturday's Game with Left Thumb Soreness

AutoDraft Pro AI

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (thumb) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Cavaliers due to left thumb soreness, potentially marking his first missed game of the season. If he is ruled out, Naz Reid and Jaylen Clark are candidates for increased playing time. Randle has been productive recently, recording three double-doubles over his last five games, averaging 21.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists across 31.4 minutes per contest.

Anthony Edwards Hits 10,000 Points, Third-Youngest Ever; Questionable for Saturday

AutoDraft Pro AI

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards became the third-youngest player in NBA history to reach 10,000 career points on Thursday, achieving the milestone in 412 games with a 25-point, 9-assist, 7-rebound performance. Despite this significant achievement during his best scoring season, he is listed questionable for Saturday's game against the Cavaliers due to foot injury maintenance. This marks his third consecutive questionable tag, though he has played through the prior two, and a maintenance day is possible for the front end of a back-to-back.

Luka Dončić Mentioned in Context of Anthony Davis Trade

AutoDraft Pro AI

Luka Dončić was mentioned in news surrounding Anthony Davis's injury, specifically in the context of the infamous trade that sent Davis to the Dallas Mavericks. This deal saw Dončić become the face of the Los Angeles Lakers franchise, a team Davis won a championship with in 2020.

Jrue Holiday Downgraded to Out with Right Calf Strain

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jrue Holiday has been downgraded to out for Friday's game against the Rockets due to a right calf strain. The Portland Trail Blazers guard was initially listed as doubtful, indicating he is day-to-day and potentially nearing a return to the court. With Holiday sidelined, Caleb Love is expected to maintain a stable role in the Trail Blazers' backcourt, making him a viable streaming option in fantasy leagues.

Jonathan Kuminga Trade Rumors Persist; Kings, Bulls, Wizards Interested

AutoDraft Pro AI

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga continues to be a subject of trade rumors, with the Sacramento Kings most often linked to him, seeking young talent. However, the Warriors are not satisfied with Sacramento's offers, suggesting a third team might be necessary. The Kings' previous offer of a protected 2030 first-round pick is reportedly off the table. The Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards have also expressed interest. Kuminga becomes trade-eligible on January 15, but an immediate deal is not expected.