NBA Player News

Sharpe (wrist) is listed as doubtful for Friday's game versus the Knicks, C.J. Holmes of the New York Daily News reports.

Sharpe has been downgraded from questionable to out Friday due to right wrist effusion. If he's ultimately ruled out, Trendon Watford is a candidate to receive increased playing time.

Horford (toe) is questionable for Friday's game against the Hornets, Taylor Snow of the Celtics' official site reports.

The Celtics have been cautious with Horford's workload in back-to-back sets this year, and although he returned from a one-game absence Thursday against the Knicks, it wouldn't be surprising to see him rest Friday as he continues to deal with a left big toe sprain. If he's unavailable, Oshae Brissett, Xavier Tillman and Luke Kornet are candidates to see increased work.

Porzingis is questionable for Friday's game against the Hornets due to right hamstring injury management, Taylor Snow of the Celtics' official site reports.

Porzingis, Jayson Tatum (knee), Jaylen Brown (hand), Jrue Holiday (knee), Derrick White (ankle) and Al Horford (toe) are all questionable. Even if all of Boston's regulars suit up, they may not play usual minutes. Porzingis has appeared in 11 of the last 13 games, averaging 18.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.5 blocks and 1.2 steals in 28.9 minutes per game.

Porzingis ended Thursday's 118-109 loss to the Knicks with 14 points (5-12 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), eight rebounds, one assist and two blocks across 25 minutes.

Porzingis returned from a one-game absence, and while he only played 25 minutes, he still ended just two rebounds away from a double-double. Given his injury history and how cautious the Celtics have been with him all season, it remains to be seen how available Porzingis will be for the final two games of the regular season, as the Celtics have already locked up home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.

Hartenstein logged 11 points (5-11 FG, 1-3 FT), 13 rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal in 33 minutes during Thursday's 118-109 victory over the Celtics.

Hartenstein recorded a double-double for the second time over his last three appearances, and while he doesn't hold a prominent role in an offensive scheme led by Jalen Brunson, the big man has found ways to contribute regularly in a starting role. Hartenstein is averaging 10.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game over his last 10 games while scoring in double digits in four straight appearances.

Sabonis racked up 18 points (8-12 FG, 2-4 FT), 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals over 35 minutes during Thursday's 135-123 loss to the Pelicans.

Sabonis failed to record a double-double Tuesday against Oklahoma City but returned to form Thursday with his 75th double-double of the year. Despite breaking records left and right, the standout center isn't in the MVP conversation, but his explosive performances haven't saved the Kings from the Play-In Tournament. Sabonis will get no rest before the playoffs, as they will fight for the best seed possible up until the final game.

Valanciunas finished Thursday's 135-123 victory over Sacramento with 13 points (5-8 FG, 3-5 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists and one steal across 33 minutes.

Although Valanciunas' totals have taken a bit of a tumble this season, the 31-year-old has served the Pelicans well in the interior. Assuming he plays the final two games, the veteran will have logged a perfect attendance record for the 2023-24 season. Thursday's game marked his 80th start in 80 games. He's averaging 12.4 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 23.8 minutes per game this year.

Ayton registered 25 points (12-24 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 1-1 FT), 11 rebounds, one assist, one block and three steals over 34 minutes during Thursday's 100-92 loss to the Warriors.

The shorthanded Trail Blazers kept things interesting thanks to a solid outing from Ayton and Jabari Walker, who combined for 27 rebounds in the loss. Scoot Henderson should join Ayton and Walker as the top producers with two games remaining. There seems to be little need for Portland to push out the myriad of injured players on the roster. Ayton battled injuries throughout the season, averaging 16.9 points, 11.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists through just 54 games.

Looney finished with nine points (4-6 FG, 1-2 FT), 11 rebounds, four blocks and two steals over 21 minutes during Thursday's 100-92 win over Portland.

Looney's usage has plummeted over the past few months, and he hasn't started since Jan. 25. The nine-year pro moved up the depth chart Thursday due to Draymond Green's (knee) absence, and although Looney will probably make the 15-man roster for the playoffs, consistent usage for the former first-unit center isn't guaranteed. Trayce Jackson-Davis has been the preferred second-unit frontcourt option recently, and the pecking order isn't expected to change unless coach Steve Kerr decides that a particular matchup favors Looney's skill set.

Duren had 20 points (7-9 FG, 6-7 FT), 11 rebounds and three assists in 31 minutes during Thursday's 127-105 loss to the Bulls.

Duren registered his 44th double-double of the season Thursday, which ties him with Nikola Vucevic for seventh most in the NBA. In what has been a lost season for the Pistons, Duren has proved to be a silver lining for the team and has emerged as a solid big man next to young guards Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. Since March 1, Duren is averaging 13.3 points on 59.7 percent shooting, 10.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists over 26.7 minutes per game.