NBA Player News

Bamba (knee) is available to play Sunday against the Jazz, Joey Linn of SI.com reports.

Bamba has spent the past week in the G League with the San Diego Clippers while in the final stages of his rehab for his left knee. He managed to play in Thursday's game against the Valley Suns and finished with 13 points, 12 rebounds and one assist over 21 minutes. Bamba will serve as the Clippers' backup center Sunday behind starter Ivica Zubac, though the former will likely operate on a minutes restriction.

Williams (rest) will be available against the Hawks on Sunday.

After sitting out the Trail Blazers' first nine games of the 2024-25 regular season due to a hamstring injury, Williams returned for the next three contests and averaged 12.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.7 steals over 17.7 minutes per game. He was held out of this past Wednesday's game against Minnesota, but he will return Sunday following three days of additional rest. Williams could see big minutes off the bench if Deandre Ayton (finger) is unable to play.

Collins will start Saturday's game against the Mavericks, interim head coach Mitch Johnson told Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News.

Collins will get the nod at center with Victor Wembanyama (right knee contusion) out. Sandro Mamukelashvili and Charles Bassey are also expected to see time at center. Collins is averaging 5.6 points and 3.3 rebounds per game off the bench this season, but he should experience an uptick in his usage as a starter.

Wembanyama (knee) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Mavericks, independent NBA writer Matthew Tynan reports.

Wembanyama tallied a team-high 28 points and 14 rebounds in the Spurs' 120-115 loss to the Lakers on Friday. However, he may have suffered a right knee contusion in the process, which is serious enough for the 2023 No. 1 overall pick to be sidelined Saturday for the first time this season. Zach Collins will get the start at center in place of Wembanyama, per Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News.

Davis (foot) is available for Saturday's game against the Pelicans, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.

As has been the trend in recent games, Davis will suit up and is expected to handle his regular workload despite dealing with plantar fasciitis. The star big man has been on a tear of late and is averaging 31.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.2 blocks per game since the beginning of November.

Nurkic is probable for Sunday's game against the Timberwolves due to a left ankle sprain.

Nurkic has been bothered by a left ankle sprain over the last few days. Even though the injury hasn't prevented the big man from suiting up outside of the Nov. 12 win over the Jazz, it has certainly impacted his play. Nurkic is averaging a mere 2.3 points and 8.7 rebounds per game in his last three contests.

Jokic (personal) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game versus the Grizzlies.

Jokic is in danger of missing his second straight contest Sunday due to personal reasons. If the superstar center is unable to suit up against Memphis, Dario Saric could draw another start.

Sabonis has been ruled out for Saturday's game versus the Jazz due to lower back tightness.

Sabonis will miss Saturday's contest due to an injury that popped up during Friday's overtime loss to the Timberwolves. Alex Len and Trey Lyles are candidates to receive increased playing time in Sabonis' absence. Sabonis' next chance to suit up is Monday's matchup with Atlanta.

Coach Chauncey Billups said Ayton (finger) is unlikely to play in Sunday's game versus the Hawks, Sean Highkin of Rip City Radio 620 Portland reports.

Ayton is expected to miss his third straight contest due to a sprained right finger. If Ayton is ultimately ruled out yet again, Donovan Clingan should continue to start at center.

Adams won't play in Sunday's game versus the Bulls due to right knee injury recovery.

Adams will sit out the first leg of Houston's back-to-back as a precaution. The veteran big man should be able to suit up for Monday's matchup in Milwaukee.