NBA Player News

Claxton (back) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Suns, Erik Slater of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Claxton has been a mainstay on the injury report this season due to a lower back strain and back soreness. The big man has missed four of the Nets' last six outings, and he will likely remain under a minutes restriction if he's able to suit up. If Claxton is sidelined, Ben Simmons and Trendon Watford will likely see an uptick in playing time in an injury-ridden frontcourt

Bamba (knee) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game versus the Wizards, Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Bamba is in danger of missing his second straight contest Wednesday due to a left knee injury. If Bamba is ruled out against Washington, Kai Jones will likely serve as the team's backup center to Ivica Zubac.

Lively (illness) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game versus the Knicks.

Lively left Dallas' most recent contest early due to an illness and could be forced to sit out Wednesday. If Lively is unable to suit up against New York, Daniel Gafford would likely draw the start.

Richards (ribs) won't play in Wednesday's game versus the Heat.

Richards will miss his 13th straight contest Wednesday due to a right rib fracture. However, Richards recently went through practice in the G League, and his next chance to suit up is Friday's matchup with the Knicks.

Williams (foot) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against Miami.

Williams and Nick Richards (ribs) both remain out, but they appear to be nearing a return to game action after recently going through a workout with the Hornets' G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm. Williams' next chance to suit up will come Friday versus the Knicks, but that's the first half of a back-to-back set. Given all the injuries to Charlotte's frontcourt, Taj Gibson and Tidjane Salaun have taken on leading roles.

Ayton (finger) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Pacers.

Ayton has missed seven straight games, but this is the first time he's listed as questionable since he landed on the injury report with a right index finger sprain. Portland needs him back as soon as possible, as Robert Williams landed in concussion protocols Tuesday and rookie Donovan Clingan is set to miss at least two weeks after being diagnosed with a Grade 2 MCL sprain. Over his first nine appearances this season, Ayton posted 15.1 points and 11.3 rebounds in 31.6 minutes per game.

Portland placed Williams in concussion protocol Tuesday, and he's been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Pacers.

With Deandre Ayton (finger) and Donovan Clingan (knee) sidelined, Williams made his first start of the season Monday in Memphis but lasted only 12 minutes before suffering the concussion. The oft-injured big man will have a few hurdles to clear before suiting up again, but he can be considered questionable for Friday's game against the Kings.

Portland announced Tuesday that Clingan (knee) will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

Additional imaging revealed the rookie has a Grade 2 MCL sprain, and he'll hit the sidelines for an extended period. Clingan was playing well before the injury, averaging 7.7 points, 10.2 rebounds and 3.1 blocks in 22.7 minutes per game across six consecutive starts due to the absence of Deandre Ayton (finger). Given Portland's rebuilding status, there's no reason to rush Clingan back, but the youngster should get plenty of developmental minutes in the second half of the season if healthy.

Zeller (personal) won't play in Wednesday's game versus the Cavaliers, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports.

Zeller has yet to play this season due to being away from the team. With there being no official timetable for the veteran big man's return, Zeller can be considered out indefinitely.

Carter (foot) isn't listed on the injury report for Wednesday's game against the Bulls.

Carter is cleared to suit up for the first time since Nov. 3. Given his lengthy layoff, the big man will likely face heavy restrictions during his return to game action. In his first five appearances this season, Carter averaged 8.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 steals in 29.8 minutes per game.