Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
The Los Angeles Clippers have sent Chris Paul home, effectively ending his tenure with the team after a reported clash with coach Tyronn Lue over accountability. Stars Kawhi Leonard and James Harden expressed shock at the decision. Paul reportedly does not wish to retire mid-season, leaving his future with the team uncertain as the Clippers look to find a new home for the future Hall of Famer.
Duncan Robinson (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game against the Trail Blazers. He has already missed the past two games due to the ankle issue. With Friday's game being the first of a back-to-back set, it's possible he could miss his third consecutive game. If Robinson remains sidelined, Daniss Jenkins is expected to get another starting opportunity.
Daniel Gafford (right ankle) is questionable for Friday's game in Oklahoma City. He was forced to exit Wednesday's game after aggravating his ankle, making him closer to doubtful for Friday's contest, which is the first of a back-to-back set. Should Gafford be unable to play, Dwight Powell is expected to receive increased minutes.
P.J. Washington (right ankle sprain) is questionable for Friday's game against the Thunder. He is attempting to return after missing the last three games due to the injury. Naji Marshall has been the primary beneficiary in Washington's absence, and if Washington is cleared to play, Marshall would likely return to a bench role.
Norman Powell (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game in Orlando. He missed Wednesday's loss to the Mavericks due to the ankle issue and may also sit out Friday's contest, which is the first of a back-to-back set. If both Powell and Tyler Herro (toe) are sidelined, Jaime Jaquez could start, and Bam Adebayo would likely see a significant increase in shot attempts.
Tyler Herro (right big toe irritation) is questionable for Friday's game in Orlando. While he has performed excellently since returning from ankle surgery, the Heat might choose to rest him for his first back-to-back set due to the toe issue. If Herro is sidelined, Pelle Larsson, Dru Smith, and Jaime Jaquez are expected to see increased playing time.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been fined $250,000 by the NBA for violating the player participation policy by sitting Darius Garland for a nationally televised game against the Raptors. This marks the second such fine for the Cavaliers this season, highlighting the league's strict enforcement of player availability for high-profile matchups.
Luke Kornet is questionable for Friday's game in Cleveland due to left ankle soreness, as reported by Paul Garcia of ProjectSpurs.com. The 30-year-old veteran's status comes after the San Antonio Spurs' intensive travel schedule, playing four games in six nights. His absence would open up additional minutes for teammates Jeremy Sochan and Kelly Olynyk.
Ryan Kalkbrenner is questionable for Friday's game against the Raptors due to a left ankle contusion. Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee initially said he sprained his left ankle after Wednesday's 119-104 loss to the Knicks, making the current contusion diagnosis an encouraging update. Should the rookie big man be sidelined, Moussa Diabate and Mason Plumlee are expected to share center minutes.
Stephon Castle (hip) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Cavaliers, Paul Garcia of ProjectSpurs.com reports. The second-year guard has not played since November 16 and is not traveling with the San Antonio Spurs during their current road trip, which concludes next Wednesday in Los Angeles, according to Mike Finger of the San Antonio Express-News.
Brandon Miller (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Raptors. Miller has missed the past two games due to the shoulder issue, but there is a possibility he could return to the Charlotte Hornets' lineup Friday evening. His potential return would likely see Sion James move back to the second unit and a slight dip in Kon Knueppel's usage.
Donovan Clingan (leg) is questionable for Friday's game against the Pistons. The Portland Trail Blazers center missed Sunday's loss to the Thunder but played in both halves of the recent back-to-back set. He was also questionable for Wednesday's win in Cleveland but suited up, contributing 5 points, 13 rebounds, and a block in 25 minutes.
LaMelo Ball (wrist) is probable for Friday's game in Toronto. The Charlotte Hornets guard played through the wrist issue during Wednesday's loss to the Knicks, where he scored 34 points, indicating it did not significantly impact his performance. Official confirmation on Ball's status is anticipated closer to Friday's tip-off.
Paolo Banchero (groin) is questionable for Friday's game against the Heat, per Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel. Banchero has been sidelined since November 12 and was recently limited to non-contact work, but he appears close to returning. If cleared, the Orlando Magic forward is expected to face heavy restrictions. In his first 11 games this season, he averaged 23.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.6 stocks in 34.7 minutes.
Collin Sexton has been ruled out for Friday's game in Toronto due to a left thigh strain. The Charlotte Hornets initially reported his injury as a knee contusion after he exited Wednesday's game, but it has now been updated to a thigh strain. His absence will create opportunities for KJ Simpson, Antonio Reeves, and Liam McNeeley to see increased minutes. Sexton is currently considered questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Nuggets.
OG Anunoby (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against Utah, according to Stefan Bondy of The New York Post. Anunoby was recently cleared for contact work and has reportedly responded well to the increased workload. His status will be further clarified based on his activity level at Friday's shootaround. If he returns, Josh Hart or Miles McBride would likely move back to the New York Knicks' second unit.
Jalen Johnson (calf) is questionable for Friday's game against the Nuggets, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports. The calf issue sidelined Johnson on Wednesday, resulting in a spot-start for Mouhamed Gueye. If Johnson remains out for the Atlanta Hawks, Gueye is expected to start again. An update on his status will be provided closer to Friday's tip-off.
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively (foot) has been ruled out indefinitely with no timetable for his return, the team announced Thursday. Lively is reportedly seeking multiple opinions regarding the swelling and discomfort in his right foot. He is currently considered week-to-week as the Mavericks await further steps in his recovery. The team is expected to rely on Anthony Davis and Daniel Gafford for center minutes during his absence.
The signing of Myles Turner by the Milwaukee Bucks is being critically re-evaluated, with reports labeling the move a 'fool's errand.' This acquisition was made in an effort to retain superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the article suggests it contributed to a 'mountain of debt' for the team, indicating a flawed strategic approach in their attempts to build around Antetokounmpo.
Zion Williamson is expected to miss at least three weeks with an adductor injury, further complicating his availability for the New Orleans Pelicans. Trade rumors are intensifying around Williamson, given his history of injuries and the team's struggles. This prolonged absence puts fantasy managers in a difficult position, with Saddiq Bey and Derik Queen being potential beneficiaries.
