NBA Player News

Nurkic (calf) notched seven points (3-4 FG, 1-2 FT), 12 rebounds, six assists, two blocks and two steals over 30 minutes before fouling out of Tuesday's 117-107 overtime win over the Nuggets.

Considering Nurkic's herculean 31-rebound game, no one would blame him for taking a night off, and the injury report indicated that he was sore and might need the rest. He couldn't resist a tangle with Nikola Jokic, and although the MVP candidate won the rebounding battle, Nurkic did enough to keep the interior afloat. There aren't any back-to-backs for the Suns until next week, so barring a setback, it doesn't look like Nurkic will miss any time.

Gafford totaled 16 points (7-7 FG, 2-5 FT), 10 rebounds, three blocks, two assists and one steal in 21 minutes during Tuesday's 137-120 loss to the Pacers.

Though Dallas was on the wrong end of a blowout, Gafford's performance was a silver lining, as he ended up getting the most center minutes on the team while Dereck Lively struggled with foul trouble again. After almost falling out of the rotation recently, Gafford came through for anyone who opted to stream him for help in the field-goal percentage, rebounds and blocks categories. Though Tuesday's performance was undoubtedly an encouraging one, Gafford's playing time has been all over the map of late, making him difficult to rely upon.

Duren posted 14 points (5-5 FG, 4-4 FT), 10 rebounds and three assists across 32 minutes during Tuesday's 118-110 loss to Miami.

Duren has been one of the few bright spots for the Pistons this season, along with rising star Cade Cunningham. Duren has registered a double-double in six of his last seven appearances and has averaged 13.6 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.3 blocks per game over that span.

The Raptors announced Tuesday that Poeltl is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left pinkie finger, Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca reports.

Poeltl suffered the injury during Sunday's win over the Hornets. While no official return timetable has been given, the Raptors will likely be without Poeltl for multiple weeks, if not the remainder of the season. Kelly Olynyk will likely step into a larger role as the Raptors' starting center, while Jontay Porter will likely become a fixture in the rotation as Olynyk's primary backup.

Wembanyama is on the floor to start the second half of Tuesday's game versus the Rockets after heading to the locker room with 5:11 remaining in the second quarter, Andrew Lopez of ESPN.com reports.

While Wembanyama was deemed questionable with a shoulder injury heading into Tuesday's contest, it appears that his trip to the locker room was unrelated. The rookie phenom often heads back to the locker room early for extra stretching, Andrew Lopez of ESPN.com reports.

Nurkic (calf) is listed as available for Tuesday's game versus the Nuggets.

After previously being downgraded to questionable with right calf tightness, Nurkic has now been upgraded to available Tuesday. The 29-year-old center is averaging 11.1 points, 12.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steals in 26.6 minutes across his last 10 appearances.

Davis (Achilles) is probable for Wednesday's game against the Kings, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.

Davis continues to manage soreness in both of his heels, but he's been remarkably durable this season. In his most recent game against the Thunder on Monday, Davis had 24 points (7-12 FG, 10-11 FT), 12 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and one steal across 30 minutes.

Ayton (hand) is listed as doubtful for Wednesday's game versus the Thunder.

Ayton is expected to miss his fourth straight contest due to a right hand sprain. If Ayton is indeed ruled out, Duop Reath would likely draw another start.

Nurkic (calf) has been downgraded to questionable for Tuesday's game against Denver.

Nurkic was previously marked as probable and said after the morning shootaround that he was planning to play, but the downgrade to questionable is pretty ominous. He'll likely warm up before a final decision is made.

Kessler (foot) will not play in Wednesday's game against the Bulls, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

This will be the fourth straight game on the sidelines for Kessler, and it's not a great sign that he continues to be ruled out a day in advance. Following Wednesday's game, the Jazz will be off until Saturday against the Nuggets, but Kessler should be considered questionable, at best, for that contest.