NBA Player News

Lively (nose) is available for Sunday's game against the 76ers.

Lively showed up on Dallas' injury report, but he's listed as available. The rookie has appeared in six straight games (five starts) since returning to action following a broken nose, averaging 8.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in 19.2 minutes during that stretch.

Queta has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Warriors due to a hyperextended right knee, Taylor Snow of the Celtics' official site reports.

Queta, a two-way player, has been playing in the G League's Maine Celtics since the All-Star break, and he appears to have suffered the injury in Friday's win over the Wisconsin Herd.

Porzingis is questionable for Sunday's game against the Warriors due to a left quadriceps contusion, Taylor Snow of the Celtics' official site reports.

Porzingis was solid versus his former team Friday, posting 24 points (8-14 FG), six rebounds, two assists and a block in 29 minutes during a blowout win over Dallas. This is a new injury for the big man, and if it forces him to the sideline, Al Horford would presumably slide into the starting lineup.

Kessler (foot) has been ruled out for Saturday's game versus the Heat.

Kessler's absence will mark his second straight due to a right foot sprain. Prior to these two absences, the big man had not missed a game since Dec. 11. Luka Samanic entered the rotation with Kessler out of the last game and could be in line to do so again.

Ayton (hand) is considered doubtful for Saturday's game versus the Grizzlies.

Ayton sprained his hand in Tuesday's game versus the Heat and subsequently missed Friday's matchup with Memphis. He appears to be trending towards another absence in Saturday's rematch with the Grizzlies, but final confirmation on his status is unlikely to come until closer to tipoff. In his absence, Duop Reath figures to again see increased playing time.

Porzingis supplied 24 points (8-14 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 4-4 FT), six rebounds, two assists and one block in 29 minutes during Friday's 138-110 victory over the Mavericks.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown led the way for the Celtics on offense, but Porzingis still delivered a solid outing, and the big man continues to find a role in Boston's offensive scheme with each passing game. Porzingis is averaging 23.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.9 blocks per game over his last 10 appearances.

Richards finished Friday's 121-114 loss to Philadelphia with 19 points (8-9 FG, 3-4 FT), four rebounds, one assist and two blocks in 30 minutes.

Richards scored in double digits after not doing so in each of his previous two contests, and while his overall stat line was decent, it's worth noting he has struggled with consistency on a game-to-game basis. Richards has been thrust into a bigger-than-expected role due to Mark Williams' back problems, and Richards will likely remain in a starting role for the foreseeable future. He's averaged 11.2 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game since the beginning of February.

Reath ended with 18 points (8-16 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 0-1 FT), five rebounds, one assist, two blocks and two steals in 23 minutes during Friday's 122-92 win over the Grizzlies.

Getting the start at center in place of Deandre Ayton (hand), Reath delivered his best scoring performance he dropped 25 points on the Kings back on Dec. 26. When Ayton is healthy, Reath typically sees minutes in the teens, giving him little fantasy appeal. Should Portland's starter in the middle miss additional time, however, his 27-year-old rookie understudy might have some DFS appeal.

Gobert closed Friday's 124-120 overtime loss to the Kings with 16 points (6-9 FG, 4-8 FT), 16 rebounds, one assist and three blocks across 42 minutes.

The veteran center racked up his 41st double-double of the season in 58 games, putting him fifth in the NBA in that category behind Domantas Sabonis (55), Nikola Jokic (49), Anthony Davis (47) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (47). Gobert also recorded multiple blocks for the fifth straight game and the ninth time in his last 12, and over that latter stretch, he's averaging 14.8 points, 13.3 boards, 2.3 blocks and 1.3 assists while shooting 66.3 percent from the floor.

Sabonis (undisclosed) produced 21 points (7-14 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 6-10 FT), 15 rebounds, eight assists and three blocks over 41 minutes before fouling out of Friday's 124-120 overtime win over the Timberwolves.

Sabonis briefly left the contest and went to the locker room for an undisclosed reason, but he returned and nearly posted another triple-double. He also tied his season high with three blocks. Since the All-Star break, Sabonis is averaging 17.4 points, 13.0 rebounds, 9.6 assists and 1.6 steals-plus-blocks in 36.4 minutes per game.