Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Miles McBride (illness) will not play Saturday against the Magic, as reported by Stefan Bondy of The New York Post. He was initially listed as available for the game but was downgraded to questionable mid-game and subsequently did not join his New York Knicks teammates on the bench for the second half. McBride's next opportunity to suit up will be Monday when the Knicks face Brooklyn.
Jalen Williams (wrist) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Trail Blazers. The Oklahoma City Thunder forward has yet to make his season debut after undergoing right wrist surgery this offseason, and there is currently no concrete timetable for his return to game action. His next opportunity to suit up will come Wednesday against Minnesota.
Kevin Huerter (illness) is officially available for Saturday's game against the Wizards. The Bulls guard successfully completed his pregame routine despite feeling under the weather and will gut it out. With Isaac Okoro (back) and Patrick Williams (wrist) sidelined, Huerter is now expected to potentially step into a starting role for Chicago. This update supersedes an earlier report that he would 'try' to play, confirming his active status for the matchup.
Patrick Williams (wrist) will not play in Saturday's game against the Wizards, as reported by Julia Poe. He joins Isaac Okoro (back) and Dalen Terry (calf) on the inactive list, leaving the Bulls thin at forward. Matas Buzelis, Jalen Smith, and Julian Phillips are expected to see increased minutes. Williams' next opportunity to return to action will be Monday against New Orleans.
Matas Buzelis (ankle) is available for Saturday's game against the Wizards, per Julia Poe. Despite suffering a right ankle injury in Friday's loss to the Heat, the second-year forward will play in the second leg of the back-to-back set. Buzelis has been averaging 14.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game this season.
Herbert Jones (back) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Hawks, according to Brad Rowland. He will miss the second leg of a back-to-back due to a back issue. Saddiq Bey is expected to start in his absence, with Jordan Hawkins also seeing increased minutes. Jones' next opportunity to play will be Monday against the Bulls.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe (calf) has been officially ruled out for Sunday's game against the Thunder. This upcoming contest will mark Sharpe's third consecutive game on the inactive list due to the calf injury. The decision to rule him out 24 hours in advance of tip-off indicates that his recovery may still require more time. In his absence, Sidy Cissoko, Kris Murray, and Caleb Love are expected to pick up additional minutes and responsibilities for the Trail Blazers.
Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Oklahoma City due to a left ankle sprain. This marks Clingan's first appearance on the injury report this season, having not missed any games prior. His availability will be further assessed based on his activity level during Sunday's shootaround. Should Clingan be sidelined, Robert Williams and Duop Reath are expected to see increased playing time in the frontcourt.
Russell Westbrook delivered a vintage performance, scoring 15 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Sacramento Kings to a 128-123 comeback victory over the Denver Nuggets, snapping an eight-game losing streak. The 37-year-old guard also tallied six rebounds and 11 assists on 9-of-16 shooting. Westbrook's clutch plays included a rebound-to-layup sequence and a game-sealing fadeaway, showcasing his enduring burst. Teammates praised his impact, with Malik Monk noting, "He has been doing this for a long time, nothing surprises me." The win improves the Kings to 4-13.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Craig Porter will not suit up for Sunday's game against the Clippers due to a left hamstring strain. With Porter sidelined and Lonzo Ball (knee) also unavailable, the Cavaliers will face depth challenges behind their primary guards, Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell. Consequently, Tyrese Proctor and Jaylon Tyson are expected to see increased playing time to fill the void.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Lonzo Ball has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Clippers due to left knee injury management. This decision will see Ball sit out the first night of the Cavaliers' back-to-back set, with his next potential playing opportunity scheduled for Monday against the Raptors. With Ball joining Sam Merrill (hand) and Craig Porter (hamstring) on the sidelines, Jaylon Tyson and Tyrese Proctor are expected to receive an uptick in playing time.
Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Clippers due to a finger injury. This marks Allen's second consecutive game on the sidelines. His absence is expected to create additional opportunities for Nae'Qwan Tomlin, Jaylon Tyson, and Larry Nance to see increased playing time. Allen's next opportunity to return to action will be Monday when the Cavaliers face the Raptors in Toronto.
VJ Edgecombe is questionable for Sunday's game against the Heat due to left calf tightness. He reportedly tweaked his calf during Thursday's win in Milwaukee and is now in danger of missing the upcoming game. His status will be clearer after Sunday's shootaround activity. If Edgecombe is unable to play, it could open up additional minutes for teammates Quentin Grimes, Justin Edwards, and Eric Gordon.
Joel Embiid has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Heat, marking his sixth consecutive game on the inactive list due to a knee injury. While the Philadelphia 76ers report he is making progress, his potential return date remains uncertain. In his continued absence, Andre Drummond and Dominick Barlow are expected to maintain their roles at the center position.
Onyeka Okongwu has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Pelicans due to an ankle injury. He will miss the first leg of the Hawks' back-to-back set, with a potential return for Sunday's game against the Hornets. His absence is expected to create additional playing time for teammate Mouhamed Gueye.
Nic Claxton is listed as probable for Sunday's game in Toronto due to a left elbow sprain. The Brooklyn Nets center is dealing with a minor issue on his shooting arm, but it is not expected to sideline him. Fans should check for official confirmation on his status closer to Sunday's tip-off.
Kuzma (illness) is available for Saturday's game against the Pistons. Despite being a late addition to the injury report, Kuzma has been cleared to play Saturday. He has drawn five straight starts and will remain in the starting lineup, seeing increased usage until Giannis Antetokounmpo (thigh) is cleared to return.
Jakob Poeltl (rest) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Nets, getting the first night of a back-to-back set off. He is expected to return to action Monday against Cleveland. Backup Sandro Mamukelashvili is anticipated to start in Poeltl's absence, with Collin Murray-Boyles (knee) and Jonathan Mogbo also candidates for increased roles.
Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac delivered a strong performance on Saturday, recording 18 points (9-12 FG), nine rebounds, six assists, and one block in 30 minutes during the 131-116 victory over the Hornets. His six assists marked a season high, and he co-led the team in rebounds. Over the last 11 games since November 3rd, Zubac has maintained impressive averages of 16.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 2.22 assists in 32.6 minutes per game, shooting 60.2 percent from the field.
Brandon Miller returned to action Saturday after a 13-game absence due to left shoulder subluxation, logging 21 points (8-18 FG, 2-10 3Pt, 3-3 FT), three assists, one rebound, one steal, and one block in 26 minutes during the Hornets' 131-116 loss to the Clippers. Despite struggles from beyond the arc and a minutes restriction, the third-year pro was the team's second-leading scorer. His availability for Sunday's game against the Hawks is uncertain.
