NBA Player News

Duren has been ruled out for Friday's game against Boston due to back spasms.

Duren was initially listed in Detroit's starting lineup, but the team announced only a few minutes before tipoff that the big man would be held out. James Wiseman draws the start at center in Duren's place.

Jokic is questionable for Saturday's game against the Trail Blazers due to lower back pain/left hip inflammation.

Jokic is dealing with two separate injuries leading up to Saturday's clash after posting an impressive triple-double Thursday night against the Knicks. The team should know more about his availability following morning shootaround and pregame warmups.

Tillman is starting Friday's game against the Pistons, Sean Grande of NBC Sports Boston reports.

Tillman is set to make his first start as a member of the Celtics due to the absence of Al Horford (toe) and Jayson Tatum (ankle). The Michigan State product has logged double-digit minutes off the bench in five straight matchups, averaging 3.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.0 assists over that stretch.

Nurkic is probable for Saturday's game against the Spurs despite an orbital contusion.

The injury sounds more serious than it apparently is, as the big man will likely suit up and go toe-to-toe with Victor Wembanyama. Over his last 13 appearances, Nurkic has averaged 10.4 points, 14.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.2 blocks in 28.5 minutes per game.

Collins (concussion) will play Friday night against the Grizzlies, Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News reports.

Collins was able to pass through the league's concussion protocol and will be available for Friday's clash after sitting out Tuesday's game against the Mavs. The Gonzaga product is averaging 9.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.3 blocks in his last four matchups, all off the bench.

Reid (head) is available and starting against the Cavaliers on Friday, Serena Winters of Bally Sports Cleveland reports.

The presence of Reid gives Minnesota some sort of stability in the frontcourt, as Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) is out and Rudy Gobert (ribs) will be a game-time decision. Reid is averaging 16.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.4 blocks per game since the beginning of March.

Yurtseven is questionable to play Saturday against the Rockets due to a right ankle sprain.

Yurtseven hasn't played much for the Jazz in recent weeks, averaging just 12.3 minutes per game since the beginning of March. However, his absence could prove to be a big one Saturday since Lauri Markkanen (injury maintenance) is out and John Collins (face) is questionable, leaving the frontcourt quite thin in terms of depth.

Collins (face) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Rockets.

Collins suffered a facial contusion after getting posterized by the Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards on Monday but played Wednesday, posting 16 points and six rebounds in 23 minutes. However, he took the second night of Utah's back-to-back set off Thursday in Dallas and is now in danger of missing a second consecutive game. If that's the case, Omer Yurtseven (ankle) and Micah Potter could stay in the rotation for another game.

Williams is out to face the Hawks on Saturday due to a back injury.

Williams has been bothered by a back injury for the majority of the season, as he hasn't played since Dec. 8. Even though general manager Mitch Kupchak suggested in February that Williams would be re-evaluated soon, it sounds like his status will be week-to-week going forward, which makes sense considering the Hornets have no incentives to rush him in the midst of another non-contending campaign.

Horford (toe) is out to face the Pistons on Friday, Taylor Snow of the Celtics' official site reports.

Horford has started in each of his last five appearances, logging at least 30 minutes in four of those contests, so it seems this is more of a maintenance kind of thing instead of Horford dealing with a serious injury. The veteran's next chance to play will come against the Bulls on Saturday in the second half of a back-to-back.