Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Jordan Poole will get the starting nod for the New Orleans Pelicans against the Trail Blazers on Friday. This marks his first start since November 4, as the Pelicans are without several key contributors. Over nine outings in December, the 26-year-old shooting guard averaged 17.2 points, 3.1 assists, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 26.0 minutes per contest.
Ariel Hukporti is in the Knicks' starting lineup against the Hawks on Friday. He will draw the start due to the absences of Karl-Anthony Towns (illness) and Mitchell Robinson (ankle). Hukporti's last start was on December 18 against the Pacers, where he tallied four points, five rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and one steal over 27 minutes.
Karl-Anthony Towns (illness) has been officially ruled out for Friday's game against the Hawks. He was a late addition to the injury report, initially listed as questionable, and was unable to shake off the illness in time for tipoff. Ariel Hukporti will draw the start at center for the New York Knicks due to Towns' absence, as well as Mitchell Robinson (ankle). Towns' next opportunity to play will be Saturday against the 76ers.
Jaylen Brown's current breakout campaign is a significant topic of discussion, with some analysts even placing him in the MVP conversation. The Dunker Spot podcast hosts Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones recently dedicated a segment to discussing the Boston Celtics star's impressive season.
DaRon Holmes will make his first NBA start for the Denver Nuggets against the Cavaliers on Friday. He is stepping into the starting five due to the absences of Jonas Valanciunas (calf) and Nikola Jokic (knee). Holmes played 22 minutes during the Nuggets' 106-103 win over the Raptors on Wednesday, finishing with 11 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one block. His starting role could persist into late January or early February.
Brooklyn Nets center Day'Ron Sharpe is slated to start in Friday's game against the Wizards. This marks his first start of the season, filling in for the absent Nic Claxton (personal). In two previous starts during the 2024-25 season, Sharpe averaged 17.0 points, 15.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.0 steals across 30.8 minutes per game.
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (ankle) is officially available for Friday's game against the Cavaliers, marking his 25th consecutive appearance. Upgraded from probable, Murray is the lone healthy Opening Night starter with Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and Cameron Johnson all sidelined. He's expected to command significant usage. Earlier, Murray was also highlighted as a top daily fantasy basketball pick for Friday's slate by SportsLine's Mike McClure.
Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith is rejoining the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Spurs, a positive development following his recent absence due to a sprained left knee. In his 11 starts this season, the sharpshooter has averaged 15.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.8 steals across 30.4 minutes per contest.
Joel Embiid (knee) is listed as probable for Saturday's game against the Knicks. The 76ers continue to include him on the injury report due to right knee injury management, though he's likely to suit up in his third consecutive contest. The star big man has scored at least 22 points in six straight appearances, averaging 29.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.3 blocks in 33.0 minutes per game over that stretch.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaylen Wells has been upgraded to probable for Friday's game against the Lakers, dealing with left hamstring soreness. Confirmation on his status is expected shortly before tipoff. Wells has been a significant fantasy contributor recently, averaging 15.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.3 steals in 30.2 minutes per contest across his last 16 games, making him a valuable roster addition.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy (lower back), initially questionable, has been officially ruled out for Friday's game against the Trail Blazers. This late addition to the injury report and subsequent ruling out signals a concerning development for the Pelicans, who are already thin on the wings. His next opportunity to return from the back injury will be Sunday in Miami. Micah Peavy is considered a prime candidate to replace Murphy in the starting lineup and is worth streaming in fantasy leagues.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard has been performing exceptionally well during the team's recent winning streak. His statistical output has been notably compared to that of Kobe Bryant, highlighting his significant contribution and impact on the Clippers' recent turnaround and success.
Kings rookie Maxime Raynaud left Sacramento's 129-102 loss to the Phoenix Suns in the fourth quarter (4:19 left) with an apparent left knee injury after being clipped on the ankle by Russell Westbrook. The young center, who has been starting in place of Domantas Sabonis, was helped off the court. Coach Doug Christie had no immediate update post-game. Raynaud has averaged 14.6 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists over his last 11 starts since December 6.
Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (ankle) is confirmed out for Friday's game against the Suns, extending his absence to a ninth consecutive game. He continues to be sidelined without a definitive timetable for his return to the court. His next potential opportunity to play will be on Sunday when the Kings face the Bucks. The team is managing his ankle injury, and updates on his status are awaited.
Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez is listed as probable for Saturday's game against Minnesota due to a new right thigh contusion. Despite this new issue, he is not expected to be sidelined. Jaquez has been performing well recently, averaging 20.1 points, 4.7 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 0.9 three-pointers on 57.1 percent shooting from the field over his last seven outings.
Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo is listed as probable for Saturday's game against Minnesota, expected to play through mild lower back soreness. In his most recent outing Thursday against Detroit, Adebayo recorded 15 points (5-14 FG), 14 rebounds, two steals, and one block over 33 minutes.
Draymond Green is ruled out for Friday's game against the Thunder for rest, as the Warriors begin a back-to-back. He also discussed a fun, viral interaction with Nets superfan 'Mr. Wammy'. Earlier, coach Steve Kerr clarified their heated Dec. 22 exchange, taking blame for the 'misunderstanding' that led to Green going to the locker room during the game. Both have moved on amicably.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is reportedly hurt again, leading to a shift in the team's rotation. His absence means the Lakers have reverted to utilizing Jake LaRavia for major minutes. This update comes from the latest NBA Minutes Report.
Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. is the NBA's hottest trade commodity, averaging a career-best 25.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, shooting 41% from three. Teams like Milwaukee, Golden State, Detroit, and Chicago are reportedly interested, though the Nets are listening to offers but not actively shopping him, seeking a package of multiple first-round picks. Porter, performing as a top-20-to-30 player and anchoring Brooklyn's No. 3 defense since December, will miss Friday's game against the Wizards due to illness, his second consecutive absence. He is expected to return Sunday against Denver.
Spurs star Victor Wembanyama's MRI on his hyperextended knee came back clean, confirming he is day-to-day. He will not play Friday against Indiana and is questionable for Saturday's game against Portland. Wembanyama sustained the injury in the fourth quarter of the Spurs' win over the Knicks after an awkward landing. The All-Star starter, who is averaging 24 points, 11.6 rebounds, and three blocks per game, expressed optimism post-injury, stating it should be "minimal."
