NBA Player News

Porzingis (back) is out for Tuesday's game against Brooklyn.

Porzingis exited in the third quarter of Sunday's 110-106 win over Miami due to the low back contusion but returned for the fourth quarter and played 32 minutes in the victory. The Celtics haven't indicated that Porzingis' back is presenting major problems for him two days later, so it's possible that his absence Tuesday is more of a maintenance day for the front end of a back-to-back set. Al Horford is likely to start at center in Porzingis' stead Tuesday, but Porzingis could be back in the lineup for Wednesday's rematch with Brooklyn while Horford rests.

Kleber is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game versus the Spurs due to a right small toe dislocation and a nasal fracture, Grant Afseth of SI.com reports.

Kleber has consistently received questionable tags but has played through his toe and nasal injuries, appearing in each of Dallas' last nine contests (five starts). If Kleber is cleared to play yet again, he will likely compete for backup center minutes.

Lively (nose) is questionable to play Wednesday versus San Antonio.

Lively appears to be nearing a return, though the Mavericks could be inclined to hold the rookie out for one more game so that he can get another full week of recovery time during the All-Star break. Nonetheless, Lively's status will need to be monitored in advance of Wednesday's game. If Lively remains out, the Mavericks would likely continue to use a platoon of Daniel Gafford and Maxi Kleber (toe/nose) at center.

Hartenstein (Achilles) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game versus the Magic.

Hartenstein is in danger of missing his third straight contest Wednesday due to left Achilles tendinopathy. If Hartenstein remains sidelined, Taj Gibson, Precious Achiuwa and Jericho Sims are candidates to receive increased playing time.

Zeller (knee) is questionable for Wednesday's game against Washington.

Zeller is at risk of missing his fourth consecutive game due to a left knee contusion. Zion Williamson (foot) is also questionable in an otherwise healthy Pelicans frontcourt.

Capela (adductor) is out for Wednesday's game against the Hornets.

According to the team's latest injury update, Capela is progressing in his rehabilitation from the left adductor strain that has kept him out for each of the team's previous five games, and though he'll remain out Wednesday, he's expected to begin practicing following the All-Star break. If Capela responds well to practice activity and is cleared to play in the Hawks' first post-break game Feb. 23 versus Toronto, he could be unchallenged for the team's starting center role. Onyeka Okongwu has been filling in admirably in Capela's stead over the last five games, but Okongwu suffered a sprained left big toe in Monday's loss to the Bulls that will keep him out for 7-to-10 days before he's re-evaluated.

Okongwu was diagnosed Tuesday with a sprained left big toe following an MRI and be listed as out for Wednesday's game versus Charlotte and re-evaluated in 7-to-10 days.

The All-Star break arrives at a fortuitous time for the 23-year-old, who could miss as little as one game if he's re-evaluated at the one-week mark and immediately cleared to resume on-court activity. While playing 30-plus minutes and making his fifth straight start in place of the injured Clint Capela (addutcor), Okongwu suffered the injury late in the fourth quarter of Monday's 136-126 loss to the Bulls. Capela is said to be progressing and is expected to resume practicing following the All-Star break, so at this stage, he would seem to be the likelier of two injured centers to be available for the Hawks' first game of the second half Feb. 23 versus the Raptors. As for Wednesday's game, the Hawks will be left with little depth at center and will likely be forced to turn to Bruno Fernando for a spot start. Jalen Johnson could slide over from power forward to serve as a small-ball option at center whenever Fernando is off the court.

Lopez is questionable for Tuesday's game against Miami due to back soreness.

Lopez is averaging just 10.7 points and 5.7 rebounds in 27.3 minutes across his last three contests, but Milwaukee participating in three lopsided affairs is a relevant factor in his recent workload. If Lopez is able to suit up Tuesday, he will look to extend his streak of five consecutive appearances with multiple blocks.

Kessler notched 11 points (5-7 FG, 1-1 FT), nine rebounds, one assist, four blocks and two steals over 26 minutes during Monday's 129-107 loss to the Warriors.

Kessler was impressive on both ends of the court Monday, missing just two shots from the field and making his presence felt on the defensive end. He's started Utah's last two games since the trade deadline, and all signs point to him staying in that role from now on. He's averaging 9.3 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game when deployed in a starting role this season.

Gafford closed with 16 points (7-13 FG, 2-3 FT), 17 rebounds, two assists, five blocks and two steals across 24 minutes during Monday's 112-104 victory over Washington.

Gafford faced the Wizards for the first time since being traded, and the big man feasted against his former team, delivering a massive double-double and filling the stat sheet admirably. This was Gafford's first start with Dallas since being acquired before the deadline, and it wouldn't be surprising if he stays in this role moving forward, especially with Dereck Lively (nose) still sidelined.