NBA Player News

Gafford (shoulder) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Spurs.

As expected after being listed as doubtful, Gafford will miss his third consecutive game due to a right shoulder impingement. With Gafford sidelined once again, Marvin Bagley is heavily favored to draw another start at center, while Dwight Powell should also continue to see rotational minutes behind him.

Bagley (shoulder) is available for Friday's game against the Spurs.

Bagley drew the questionable tag for Friday's game due to a shoulder injury. He was cleared to play after going through pregame warmups, and he'll likely remain in the Mavericks' starting lineup due to the absence of Daniel Gafford (shoulder). Bagley started against the Suns on Wednesday, when he played 26 minutes and finished with 20 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one block in a 112-107 loss.

Ware is in the starting lineup for Friday's game versus Washington, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

The Heat are without several key contributors in the penultimate game of the regular season, allowing Ware to draw his 33rd start of the year. The second-year big man has averaged 10.0 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 25.0 minutes per contest across his previous five appearances as a starter.

Richards (elbow) will not play in Chicago's final two games of the regular season, per K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network.

Richards will be sidelined for the remainder of the campaign as he continues to recover from a right elbow sprain. Head coach Billy Donovan confirmed Friday that Richards, Josh Giddey (hamstring), Guerschon Yabusele (shoulder/elbow), Jalen Smith (calf) and Anfernee Simons (wrist) will be held out for the final two games against the Magic and Mavericks. Richards finishes the season having missed the final 10 games. With Yabusele also ruled out, the Bulls will likely rely on Patrick Williams (thumb) and Lachlan Olbrich (foot) to handle the bulk of the minutes at center.

Queta (toe) is available for Friday's game versus New Orleans, Jay King of The Athletic reports.

As expected, Queta is overcoming a probable designation due to a toe injury Friday. The big man has scored in double figures in six consecutive contests, a stretch during which he's recorded three double-doubles.

Hayes (foot) is out for Friday's game against the Suns.

Friday is marking a third consecutive absence for Hayes, whose last chance to return during the regular season is Sunday against the Jazz. Jarred Vanderbilt effectively served as the Lakers' primary backup center while logging 26 minutes during Thursday's win in Golden State, so he figures to occupy that role once more Friday.

Horford (calf) is available for Friday's game against the Kings.

The veteran big man is set to return from a month-long absence with a calf strain, so his minutes could be limited Friday. That said, the recent rise in streaming appeal for Charles Bassey (ankle) could take a hit versus the Kings.

Bassey (ankle) is probable to face the Kings on Friday.

Bassey is expected to continue to push through his ankle issue. During Thursday's game against the Lakers, he had 12 points (6-8 FG), 13 rebounds, one assist and two blocks in 30 minutes off the bench. However, his role could shrink drastically Friday, as Al Horford (calf) and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) are both expected to be available.

Porzingis (illness) is probable for Friday's game against the Kings.

Porzingis is on track to return from a two-game absence. Look for the Warriors to ease him back with a modest workload Friday.

Embiid underwent a successful appendectomy Thursday, and his timeline for a return to basketball activities is uncertain, per Marc J. Spears of ESPN.com.

While the door may be open for Embiid to return at some point during the playoffs if the 76ers go on a deep run, his regular season is over. The star big man had his workload managed all year long, finishing with averages of 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.2 blocks in 31.6 minutes per tilt in 38 games this season. Philadelphia is set to proceed with Adem Bona and Andre Drummond as its top center choices going forward.