NBA Player News

Richards contributed 12 points (3-6 FG, 6-8 FT), 13 rebounds, two assists and one block over 30 minutes during Friday's 125-120 loss to the Hawks.

Richards was in the starting five for a second straight game Friday as Mark Williams continues to work through a foot injury. Richards took advantage of the opportunity by registering his first double-double of the 2024-25 campaign. Richards should continue to start at center for the Hornets for as long as Williams remains sidelined.

Davis generated 35 points (11-18 FG, 13-17 FT), eight rebounds, four assists, one steal and two blocks across 38 minutes in Friday's 123-116 win over the Suns.

Per Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times, head coach JJ Redick said Friday that the team intends to have Davis involved "as much as possible." The effort has shown up in the box score through two games, with Davis totaling 71 points and attempting 12 more shots than any other Laker. Davis averaged over 25 points per game in four straight seasons spanning 2016-17 to 2019-2020 but has eclipsed that number once in four seasons since. Davis could have his best statistical season in years if he remains the Lakers' offensive focal point.

Bitadze amassed three points (1-2 FG, 1-2 FT) and two rebounds in six minutes during Friday's 116-101 win over Brooklyn.

Bitadze was used sparingly in the win. The Magic continue to run with Wendell Carter as the starting center, leaving Bitadze and Moritz Wagner to battle for backup minutes. Wagner clearly has the higher offensive upside, making him a more enticing option on most nights. Barring an injury to Carter, Bitadze should be viewed as nothing more than a situational streaming option for anyone needing blocks.

Wagner recorded 18 points (7-8 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 3-4 FT), three rebounds, one block and one steal in 15 minutes during Friday's 116-101 victory over the Nets.

Wagner caught fire off the bench, scoring a season-high 18 points. Wagner has the ability to flash some offensive upside, making him a name to watch, even in standard formats. While the offensive output was encouraging, he still played only 15 minutes. As long as he is serving as the backup to Wendell Carter, Wagner is going to find it hard to put up consistent value.

Hayes (foot) is available for Friday's game against the Suns, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.

Hayes was widely expected to be available, so this isn't surprising. The big man will continue to operate as Anthony Davis' primary backup at the center position.

Robinson (knee) won't play in Saturday's game against the Lakers, Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee reports.

Robinson missed Sacramento's season opener and will remain on the sidelines to rehab his sprained left MCL. His next chance to play will come Monday against Portland, the first leg of a back-to-back.

Bamba (knee) won't play in Saturday's game versus the Nuggets, Joey Linn of SI.com reports.

Bamba will miss his second straight contest to begin the regular season Saturday due to left knee soreness. His next chance to suit up is Sunday's matchup with Golden State.

Claxton (hamstring) is available but will come off the bench during Friday's game against the Magic, Evan Barnes of Newsday reports.

Coach Jordi Fernandez said Claxton will play more Friday after seeing only 15 minutes off the bench before being ejected from the season-opening loss to the Hawks on Wednesday. However, Brooklyn's big man will remain on a minutes restriction for the foreseeable future. In his limited action, Claxton posted seven points (3-4 FG, 1-4 FT), five rebounds, a steal and a block against Atlanta.

Lopez (quadriceps) is available for Friday's game versus the Bulls.

Lopez was added to the injury report Thursday due to a minor quadriceps injury, but the veteran big man will play through it and shouldn't have any restrictions. Therefore, expect Lopez to handle his regular workload as the Bucks' starting center. He delivered 10 points, eight rebounds, six assists and six blocks across 36 minutes in the win over the 76ers on Wednesday.

Coach Rick Carlisle said Jackson (groin) is available for Friday's game against the Knicks, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports.

Jackson missed the club's Opening Night due to a right groin strain. However, the 22-year-old is expected to return to game action and serve as Myles Turner's primary backup with James Wiseman (Achilles) potentially out for the rest of the season.