NBA Player News

Zubac (illness) is absent from the Clippers' injury report ahead of Saturday's tilt against the Bulls, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

Zubac was unable to play in the second half of Wednesday's 122-116 win over the Rockets due to an illness, but it appears he is feeling better heading into Saturday's game. Barring any setbacks, look for the big man to take on his usual role at center for the Clippers.

Ayton (hand) has been ruled out for Friday's matchup with the Rockets, Sean Highkin of RoseGardenReport.com reports.

No surprise here, as Ayton was deemed doubtful heading into the evening. His absence will mark his fifth straight game missed. In his absence, Duop Reath figures to remain in the starting lineup. Ayton's next chance to suit up will come Saturday versus the Raptors.

Queta (knee) is probable for Saturday's game against the Suns.

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said March 3 that Queta was week-to-week, so it appears that he's going to beat his timetable. His return won't have a lot of fantasy implications, as he's averaged 12.3 minutes in 23 total appearances.

Kessler (foot) is questionable for Saturday's game against Denver.

Kessler missed the past four games for Utah, but he's trending in the right direction. The questionable tag suggests that he's day-to-day, and he was able to turn in a full practice Thursday. If cleared, Kessler will likely reprise his role as the backup center behind John Collins.

Bitadze will return to a reserve role in Friday's matchup with the Knicks.

Bitadze replaced Wendell Carter (knee) as a starter in the Magic's previous game. With the latter healthy enough to return, Bitadze will return to his usual role as a reserve.

Carter (knee) is officially starting at center in Friday's game versus the Knicks.

Carter is returning from a one-game absence, for which Goga Bitadze replaced him in the starting lineup. The latter is returning to a reserve role, while Carter should take on his usual responsibilities in the frontcourt assuming he has no setbacks with his knee.

Reed won't start Friday's game against the Pelicans.

Reed returned to the starting lineup Wednesday and posted 17 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks in 24 minutes before fouling out. He'll be replaced by Mo Bamba at center, but Reed should still play plenty of minutes off the bench.

Holmes is in the starting lineup for Friday's game versus the Hornets.

With Marvin Bagley (back) still out, Holmes will replace Corey Kispert in the starting five Friday. Holmes is averaging 5.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.0 blocks in his previous two starts this season, both for the Mavericks.

Jokic is probable for Saturday's matchup against the Jazz due to a right arm contusion.

Jokic posted another triple-double during Thursday's win over the Celtics but suffered a minor injury as well. The MVP candidate has missed just two games this season, and that likely won't change Saturday.

Bamba is expected to start Friday's game against the Pelicans, Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com reports.

Bamba drew three straight starts to begin March before being replaced by Paul Reed on Wednesday. In those starts, Bamba averaged 4.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 15.0 minutes per game.