NBA Player News

Lakers head coach JJ Redick said that Ayton -- who has already been ruled out for Friday's game against the Pacers -- is considered "day-to-day" due to left knee soreness, Thuc Nhi Nguyen of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Ayton saw the floor for just four minutes in Thursday's loss to Denver and picked up a left knee injury. The good news for the veteran big man is that he avoided a serious injury, so he could be available as soon as Sunday against the Knicks. Jaxson Hayes and Jarred Vanderbilt should see a significant bump in minutes due to Ayton's absence Friday, and Drew Timme -- who has been in the G League for the South Bay Lakers of late -- could also see some NBA action.

Missi is not in the Pelicans' starting lineup against the Suns on Friday.

Missi was in the Pelicans' starting five for Thursday's 133-123 win over the Kings, when he finished with seven points, two rebounds, one assist, four blocks and two steals over 16 minutes. He'll revert to a bench role for Friday's contest while the Pelicans roll with a starting five of Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy, Herbert Jones, Saddiq Bey and Zion Williamson.

Vucevic will undergo surgery Saturday to repair a fractured right ring finger that he sustained during Friday's game against the Mavericks, and he will miss at least one month, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

Vucevic ended up playing just two minutes in the first quarter before suffering the injury, and the procedure will keep him sidelined until at least early April. The veteran big man has been a key contributor off Boston's bench since being acquired from the Bulls in early February, but the good news for the Celtics is that they received a big boost with the return of Jayson Tatum (Achilles) on Friday. Luka Garza should serve as the first big man off the bench for the Celtics behind Neemias Queta until Vucevic is cleared to return.

Vucevic will not return to Friday's game against the Mavericks due to a fractured right ring finger. He logged no counting stats across two minutes.

Vucevic exited to the locker room with 4:21 remaining in the opening quarter after a brief appearance, and it's now been revealed that he sustained a fractured finger. Luka Garza will likely help pick up the slack while Vucevic is sidelined.

Vucevic exited to the locker room in the first quarter of Friday's game against the Mavericks due to an apparent hand injury, Zack Cox of the Boston Herald reports.

Vucevic was seen getting his hand examined on the bench before exiting to the locker room after logging less than two minutes. The veteran center should be considered questionable to return until more information comes to light.

Aldama (knee) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Clippers.

Aldama will miss a 13th straight game while recovering from a right knee injury that he was initially cleared from Tuesday before being downgraded to out. His next chance to play is Monday against the Nets, though an updated recovery timeline for the fifth-year pro has not been provided by the Grizzlies.

Powell will start against the Celtics on Friday, Sean Grande of NBC Sports Boston reports.

With Daniel Gafford (ankle) and Marvin Bagley (neck) unavailable, Powell will enter the starting five. As a starter this season (seven games), the veteran big man has averaged 6.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.9 steals in 28.6 minutes per contest.

Carlson (back) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Warriors.

This will be the fifth consecutive game on the inactive list for Carlson, and it's not encouraging that he continues to get ruled out a full day in advance of tipoff. For now, he should be viewed as doubtful for Monday's game against the Nuggets.

Hartenstein (calf) has been ruled out for Saturday's game versus the Warriors, Brandon Rahbar of DailyThunder.com reports.

Hartenstein tweaked his left calf during Wednesday's win over the Knicks, and he'll now miss Saturday's game, which should open up minutes for Jaylin Williams and Kenrich Williams. Hartenstein's next chance to play will come Monday versus the Nuggets.

Bagley (neck) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Celtics.

Bagley will miss a fifth straight game due to a neck sprain, and his next opportunity to return will come Sunday in Toronto. With Daniel Gafford (ankle) also sidelined, Dwight Powell and Moussa Cisse are likely to handle the majority of the center minutes.