NBA Player News

Hartenstein (hand) finished with 13 points (6-12 FG, 1-2 FT), 14 rebounds, four blocks and three assists across 29 minutes during Wednesday's 109-99 victory over Portland.

Hartenstein made his season debut for the Thunder, returning from a non-displaced fractured left hand that cost him the first month of the season. Though the Thunder brought him off the bench, Hartenstein played major minutes, tallying a double-double while putting up a team-best plus-16 point differential. Given the long-term absence of Chet Holmgren (hip), Hartenstein should be a candidate to move into the starting five eventually, perhaps after getting another practice or two under his belt. Regardless, Hartenstein should have a sizable role for the Thunder while the team is short on healthy centers.

Clingan accumulated 10 points (4-7 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 1-4 FT), nine rebounds, two blocks and two steals across 21 minutes during Wednesday's 109-99 loss to the Thunder.

Clingan fell just one rebound short of recording his second career double-double, putting together another encouraging performance. A thumb injury to Deandre Ayton has opened up more playing time for the rookie, providing him with an opportunity to play upwards of 20 minutes in each of the past four games. He has recorded 35 rebounds and 14 blocks in that span, a glimpse of what he can do when afforded meaningful minutes.

Brown had six points (3-4 FG) and four rebounds in seven minutes during Wednesday's 130-113 loss to the Rockets.

Brown came off the bench in his season debut, playing seven minutes. With Indiana having lost both James Wiseman and Isaiah Jackson to season-ending Achilles injuries, Brown should be able to pick up consistent minutes playing behind Myles Turner. Brown has the ability to be a strong per-minute producer and could step into a larger role should Turner miss any time over the course of the season.

Robinson (ankle) has not been cleared to begin basketball activities, with coach Tom Thibodeau noting that the big man is only shooting thus far, Steve Popper of Newsday reports.

Robinson' troublesome left ankle, which was most recently surgically repaired in May, continues to yield a slow return to action, although no setbacks have been reported. Robinson's game is solely dependent on his athleticism and movement skills defensively, so a comprehensive increase in on-court reps will be needed prior to estimating his return.

Nurkic (ankle) has been cleared for Wednesday's game against New York, Kellan Olson of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Nurkic will return after missing two of Phoenix's last five games due to a nagging ankle injury. Mason Plumlee has filled in admirably as a rebounder while earning a plus-6.5 net rating on the season, so there's no guarantee that Nurkic will exceed the 23.7 minutes he has averaged across his 13 appearances this year.

Robinson was assigned to the G League Stockton Kings on Wednesday, James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento reports.

Robinson signed a one-year deal with Sacramento during the offseason but didn't make his NBA debut until Saturday. He's played in two NBA games and is averaging 3.0 points and 3.0 rebounds across 9.5 minutes.

Davis is listed as probable for Thursday's game against Orlando due to plantar fasciitis in his left foot.

Davis and Rui Hachimura (ankle) represent key members of the Lakers' rotation with injury designations heading into Thursday's contest. That being said, Davis has missed only one game this season and appears firmly on track to suit up Thursday. He averaged 27.0 points, 16.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 5.0 blocks across two contests versus Orlando last season.

Hartenstein (hand) has been cleared for action and will play Wednesday versus Portland, Rylan Stiles of FanSided.com reports.

Hartenstein was set to be re-evaluated at the end of November, so his availability Wednesday crushes his initial timeline after he suffered a non-displaced fracture in his left hand. He steps into a critical role with Chet Holmgren (hip) slated to be sidelined beyond the next month, although Hartenstein's initial ramp-up over the next week could be gradual. He profiles as a huge boost to Oklahoma City's rebounding as well as an asset in the pick-and-roll for all involved.

Looney (illness) is available for Wednesday's game against the Hawks.

Looney was initially listed as probable for this contest, and he should deliver solid frontcourt minutes off the bench in his return from a one-game absence. Looney is averaging 6.2 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game since the beginning of November across six outings off the bench.

Ayton (finger) is out for Wednesday's game against the Thunder.

Ayton had been listed as doubtful heading into the day, so it comes as little surprise that he'll miss a fourth straight game Wednesday. Per Sean Highkin of Rip City Radio 620 Portland, head coach Chauncey Billups said Monday that Ayton still hasn't fully participated in practice, so the veteran center may need to put in some work Thursday before the Trail Blazers decide whether he'll be available for a Friday/Saturday back-to-back set in Houston.