NBA Player News

Kessler will join the starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Mavericks.

John Collins (head) is being held out for the second leg of this back-to-back set, so this is an expected move for Kessler. As a starter this season, Kessler holds averages of 8.9 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.6 blocks.

Jones (hamstring) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Lakers.

Jones is nearing the end of his 10-day deal, but he's yet to debut due to this hamstring injury. His next chance to play will come Sunday against the Clippers.

Clarke (Achilles) is out for Friday's game against the Spurs.

Clarke continues to rehab from an Achilles injury, and at this point, it would be surprising if he plays before the end of the season. After all, the Grizzlies aren't reaching the playoffs, and there are only a few weeks left before the start of the postseason. Clarke's next chance to play will come against the Nuggets on Monday.

Gobert (ribs) is listed as questionable for Friday's game versus the Cavaliers.

Gobert is in danger of missing his fourth straight contest Friday due to a left rib sprain. With Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) still out and Naz Reid (head) questionable, Luka Garza could continue to receive increased playing time.

Reid (head) is questionable for Friday's game against Cleveland.

Reid missed Tuesday's game against the Nuggets due to a head injury, and it's unclear whether he'll be able to suit up Friday. If he remains out, Luka Garza could see an increase in playing time once again.

Gibson (hamstring) won't play in Friday's game versus the Celtics.

Gibson will miss his second straight contest Friday due to right hamstring soreness. The veteran big man's next chance to suit up is Sunday's matchup with New Orleans.

Claxton (illness) is available for Thursday's game against Milwaukee, C.J. Holmes of the New York Daily News reports.

Claxton didn't participate in Thursday's morning shootaround due to his non-COVID illness, but he's been cleared to suit up despite the issue. Over his last five outings, he's averaged 10.8 points and 9.0 rebounds in 27.4 minutes per game.

Adebayo (back) is questionable for Friday's game against the Pelicans.

Adebayo missed Wednesday's game against Cleveland due to a lower back contusion, and it's unclear whether he'll be able to return to action Friday. If he remains out, Nikola Jovic, Thomas Bryant and Orlando Robinson could continue to see increased run.

Horford (toe) is questionable for Friday's game against the Pistons.

Horford continues to deal with a left big toe sprain, and it's unclear whether he'll be available for the first half of a back-to-back set Friday. Over his last five appearances, he's averaged 13.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 31.2 minutes per game.

Porzingis (hamstring) is questionable for Friday's game against Detroit.

Porzingis has been back in action over the past two matchups, and he didn't have a minutes restriction Wednesday against the Bucks, playing 28 minutes and logging 17 points, three rebounds and two assists. If he's available Friday, he should be able to handle a fairly normal workload.