NBA Player News

Poeltl won't return to Sunday's game against the Hornets due to a left pinky dislocation, Aaron Rose of SI.com reports. He finished with eight points (4-6 FG), three assists, two rebounds and one block in 15 minutes.

Poeltl suffered the injury late in the second quarter and will miss the entire second half. Though the Raptors are labeling his injury as a dislocation rather than a fracture, it's possible that the hand issue will cause enough discomfort that Poeltl won't be ready to play when the Raptors return to action Tuesday versus the Pelicans. Kelly Olynyk would likely start at center if Poeltl can't go Tuesday, while two-way player Jontay Porter could re-enter the rotation as a backup center.

Horford closed with seven points (3-5 FG, 1-2 3Pt), four rebounds, four assists and one steal over 21 minutes during Sunday's 140-88 win over the Warriors.

Horford got the starting nod in place of the injured Kristaps Porzingis (quadriceps), putting forth an all-around showing over just 21 minutes due to the blowout nature of the contest. Horford has started in 23 games this season, recording at least five points, three rebounds and three assists in 15 of those starts.

Kessler (foot) won't play in Monday's game against the Wizards.

Kessler will extend his streak of consecutive games missed to three due to a right foot sprain. With Lauri Markkanen (quad) also out, Brice Sensabaugh, Omer Yurtseven and Luka Samanic could be in line for increased run.

Ayton (hand) is questionable for Monday's game against the Timberwolves.

Ayton is in danger of missing a third straight game, but he was listed as doubtful ahead of the last two matchups, so his questionable tag suggests he's making at least slight progress in his rehab. Regardless, if Ayton is ruled out again, Duop Reath would likely draw another start.

Bamba amassed eight points (2-3 FG, 4-4 FT), five rebounds and one assist over 14 minutes during Sunday's 120-116 victory over Dallas.

Bamba showed off good chemistry with Kyle Lowry around the basket as well as with Tyrese Maxey in pick-and-roll Sunday. Bamba has now started two consecutive games while Paul Reed comes off the bench, but coach Nick Nurse is deploying the bigs on a lineup-specific basis depending on opponent scheme.

Richards (foot) won't play Sunday against the Raptors.

Richards will miss his first game since Jan. 22 due to plantar fascia discomfort in his right foot. Charlotte will be shorthanded at center in his absence, likely resorting to a combination of Grant Williams, Marques Bolden and JT Thor to fill minutes at the position.

Nurkic (neck) is probable for Sunday's game against the Thunder, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports.

Nurkic left Saturday's loss to the Rockets after getting hit in the face by Josh Okogie, resulting in neck spasms for the big man. It looks like Nurkic will give it a go during the second night of Phoenix's back-to-back set, and the Suns may need more out of their center, as Devin Booker (ankle) has been ruled out.

Theis won't start Sunday's game against Minnesota, Alan Horton of the Timberwolves Radio Network reports.

With Ivica Zubac (illness) sidelined, Theis drew back-to-back starts, totaling 18 points and 13 rebounds in 51 minutes. Zubac has been cleared and will reclaim his starting spot, sending Theis to a bench role.

Horford will start Sunday's game against the Warriors, John Dickinson of 95.7 The Game San Francisco reports.

As expected, Horford will start at center in the absence of Kristaps Porzingis (quadriceps). Across 22 starts this season, Horford has averaged 9.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.1 blocks in 31.2 minutes per game.

Head coach Tyronn Lue said Zubac (illness) will be available for Sunday's game against Minnesota, Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Zubac is set to return from a two-game absence due to an illness and will reclaim his spot in the starting lineup, sending Daniel Theis to a bench role. He has been sharp across his last four appearances, averaging 13.0 points and 9.5 rebounds while shooting 65.7 percent from the field.