NBA Player News

Poeltl (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Atlanta, Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca reports

Poeltl was upgraded to doubtful prior to being downgraded to out Sunday, a sign that he could be closing in on a return to action for the first time since Jan. 7. If Poeltl is able to practice Monday, he'll have a good chance at being cleared to play Tuesday against Chicago.

Porter (eye) is available to play Sunday against Atlanta.

Porter had been listed as probable due to a left eye abrasion, but he is cleared to suit up Sunday. Porter, Thaddeus Young and Chris Boucher will likely split center minutes with Jakob Poeltl (ankle) officially out.

Nurkic (thumb) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Magic, Amanda Pflugrad of 3TV Phoenix reports.

Nurkic left Friday's loss to Indiana early due to a left thumb sprain and had been deemed questionable for Sunday. The big man will turn his sights on preparing for Monday's matchup versus the Heat, while Drew Eubanks, Chimezie Metu and Udoka Azubuike are candidates for increased roles versus Orlando. Despite significant pain and swelling in his thumb, Nurkic may play in Miami, per Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic.

Collins (ankle) is questionable for Monday's game against the Wizards, Paul Garcia of ProjectSpurs.com reports.

After five straight appearances, Collins was sidelined for the second half of San Antonio's back-to-back set Saturday versus Minnesota due to right ankle injury management. Barring a setback, Collins is likely trending more toward probable than questionable, but if he's ruled out, Dominick Barlow would probably be elevated to provide depth again.

Turner (back) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Grizzlies, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports.

With Turner joining Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) on the sideline, Pascal Siakam will likely serve as the clear go-to option for the Pacers' shorthanded squad. Jalen Smith had been serving as Turner's top backup, but he's listed as questionable for Sunday's contest while dealing with a back injury. Isaiah Jackson would presumably be the next man up to step in at center if Smith can't play.

Turner is questionable for Sunday's game against the Grizzlies due to mid-back spasms.

Turner is a late addition to the injury report, joining fellow center Jalen Smith (back) as questionable. If both big men are ruled out, Isaiah Jackson would likely play an increased role. However, Pascal Siakam could also see more time at center, while Oscar Tshiebwe may crack the rotation if he's elevated from the G League club ahead of tipoff.

Duren closed Saturday's 118-104 loss to the Wizards with 10 points (5-6 FG), 18 rebounds and three assists in 36 minutes.

Marvin Bagley's departure has enhanced Duren's role as he continues to produce as Detroit's starting center. Despite Detroit's lost season, the squad has a great core to build around with Duren and Cade Cunningham, and the 20-year-old's 6-10, 250-pound frame is an imposing force for opponents to face. He's averaged 11.6 rebounds per game this season, but injuries have limited him to only 30 court appearances. If he had enough games to qualify, Duren would be ranked fifth in rebounding average ahead of players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid.

Lopez accumulated 24 points (8-11 FG, 6-9 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three rebounds and one steal over 35 minutes during Saturday's 141-117 victory over the Pelicans.

Lopez posted his 10th game of the season with at least three made triples, matching his season-high of six en route to his fifth 20-point game of the season. Lopez posted 26 games with 20-plus points last season, so his scoring ceiling has been diminished in 2023-24, although his shot-blocking and defensive impact remain in peak form.

Gafford closed with 15 points (7-10 FG, 1-2 FT), 13 rebounds, one assist and three steals over 28 minutes during Saturday's 118-104 victory over Detroit.

Some speculated that Gafford's usage would suffer with Marvin Bagley's addition to the roster, but the Arkansas product still has a firm hold on the starting job. Saturday marked Gafford's first double-double since returning from a two-game absence. With only six double-doubles this season, it's a milestone we shouldn't expect often from Gafford, whose fantasy impact is limited by the team's overall struggles.

Kessler provided 10 points (5-6 FG), four rebounds and three blocks over 16 minutes during Saturday's 134-122 victory over Charlotte.

Kessler played fewer than 20 minutes for the second straight game, a trend managers will be hoping reverses itself sooner than later. After playing at least 25 minutes in four consecutive outings, the rotation in Utah appears to be up in the air from one game to the next. With that said, Kessler remains a hold given his ability to block shots and score on high efficiency.