NBA Player News

Horford won't play Friday against the Hornets due to load management, Taylor Snow of the Celtics' official site reports.

Horford will get the first night of a back-to-back set off but should be available for Saturday's rematch against Charlotte. In Horford's absence, Luke Kornet, Xavier Tillman and Neemias Queta should cover all the available minutes at center.

Zubac had 22 points (9-10 FG, 4-5 FT), 12 rebounds, one assist and one steal over 36 minutes during Thursday's 125-119 loss to the Suns.

The difference for Zubac is significant when Kai Jones doesn't contribute, but the veteran center is in for a long season if he is forced to carry such a heavy load. Zubac is far more accustomed to 25 minutes on the floor, and the lack of support should be concerning for managers who depend on his production. He's handling the extra burden fine so far, but reduced minutes in back-to-back games should be expected.

Lopez supplied 12 points (4-8 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 1-2 FT), three rebounds and one assist in 24 minutes during Thursday's 122-99 loss to the Grizzlies.

Lopez led the Bucks in three-point makes Thursday as Milwaukee shot just 9-for-42 from beyond the arc, and he managed to finish with the second-most points on the team behind Giannis Antetokounmpo (37). Lopez has scored in double digits in four of the first five games of the regular season, though he isn't expected to see a ton of volume on offense while playing alongside Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.

Collins registered 14 points (6-13 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 11 rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal over 28 minutes during Thursday's 106-88 loss to the Spurs.

The season-ending injury to Taylor Hendricks (ankle) will tie directly to more production from Collins, who is expected to be the first big man off the bench to serve in the frontcourt. Kyle Filipowski got the start in Lauri Markkanen's (back) absence. However, the Jazz may experiment with an experienced jumbo lineup that features Markkanen, Collins and Walker Kessler. Cody Williams hasn't done much with his two starts, so the scheme could ultimately make more sense.

Filipowski totaled 12 points (5-8 FG, 2-4 3Pt), five rebounds and one assist in 20 minutes during Thursday's 106-88 loss to the Spurs.

With Lauri Markkanen (back) temporarily sidelined, Filipowski drew the first start of his NBA career. Increased opportunity was already on the horizon after Taylor Hendricks (ankle) was lost for the season, although the current solution to that problem has been a frontcourt featuring Cody Williams. Filipowski's preseason outlook was bleak considering his position in the depth chart, but the shakeup will improve his chances to contribute.

Wembanyama amassed 25 points (9-20 FG, 4-13 3Pt, 3-3 FT), nine rebounds, seven assists, five blocks and five steals in 34 minutes during Thursday's 106-88 win over the Jazz.

Along with Wembanyama's 25 points, he posted totals of five or more in every other category, a rare feat that he completed once last season. The 2023 Rookie of the Year and veteran Chris Paul were the key difference makers for the Spurs, making plays all over the court while the Jazz tried to cope without Lauri Markkanen (back).

Wembanyama tallied 25 points (9-20 FG, 4-13 3Pt, 3-3 FT), nine rebounds, seven assists, five steals and five blocks over 34 minutes in Thursday's 106-88 win over the Jazz.

Wembanyama led the Spurs with 25 points, though he clearly didn't have his best game on the offensive end, knocking down only 30.8 percent of his tries from deep. His outing was highlighted by his effort on the defensive end, where he recorded his first five steals of the 2024-25 campaign while continuing to be a force at the rim. Wembanyama's work across the board resulted in the second 5x5 game of his young career, making him the third player in NBA history to post multiple 5x5 performances, per Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune. The star center will continue to slot in as one of the most productive fantasy options in the league given his ability to dominate in any category on a nightly basis.

Williams (hamstring) won't play Friday against the Thunder.

Williams continues to miss time to open the 2024-25 regular season while recovering from a left hamstring strain. His next opportunity to suit up will arrive Saturday in Phoenix.

Filipowski will start at power forward Thursday night against the Spurs, Tony Jones of The Athletic reports.

Filipowski is set to make his first NBA start after news broke that Lauri Markkanen (back) wouldn't suit up Thursday. The rookie center looked sharp in his last appearance Tuesday against the Kings, tallying 12 points, eight boards, two assists and one steal in 25 minutes.

Davis is probable for Friday's game against the Raptors.

Davis appears to have suffered a minor hip injury during Wednesday's loss to the Cavs, but it's unlikely to keep him from Friday's clash. He'll likely test out his hip during morning shootaround before the team comments further on his availability.