NBA Player News

Nurkic won't return to Friday's game against the Pacers due to a left thumb injury. He finished with two points (1-3 FG), four rebounds, five assists and three steals in 20 minutes.

The severity of Nurkic's injury isn't known, but he'll presumably be sent in for X-rays as the Suns look to ascertain whether or not he suffered structural damage to his thumb. For now, Nurkic should be considered questionable for Sunday's game against the Magic. Drew Eubanks and Chimezie Metu could see more run if Nurkic is unable to play Sunday.

Porter won't return to Friday's game against the Clippers due to an eye issue, Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca reports.

Porter was poked in the eye during Monday's game against the Grizzlies and is evidently still bothered by the injury, given his early departure Friday. After starting in each of Toronto's previous five games, Porter came off the bench behind Thaddeus Young on Friday and played just four minutes before exiting. He finished with three rebounds and one assist during his time on the court.

Porter will play a reserve role in Friday's tilt against the Clippers, Justin Russo of the 'Clip & Roll' podcast reports.

Porter will come off the bench in favor of Thaddeus Young, which will snap the former's five-game start streak. The second-year big man has averaged 5.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists across six games as a reserve this season.

Bamba (knee) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game versus the Nuggets, Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Bamba is in danger of missing his seventh straight game Saturday while dealing with right knee inflammation. However, the 25-year-old big man returned to practice Friday as a full participant, which is a good sign for his availability against Denver.

Jokic is listed as probable for Saturday's game versus the 76ers due to a left eye abrasion.

Jokic suffered his injury during Thursday's loss to the Knicks after getting poked in the eye in the second quarter. However, the superstar center should be available to suit up against Joel Embiid in a highly-anticipated matchup between MVP contenders.

Hartenstein (Achilles) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Heat.

Hartenstein has missed back-to-back games due to an Achilles injury. He was initially listed as doubtful ahead of his first absence and questionable ahead of his second, so it appears he's making at least some progress. However, if Hartenstein is ruled out, Jericho Sims would likely draw another start while Precious Achiuwa could see an expanded role off the bench.

Bamba (knee) was a full participant during Friday's practice, Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Bamba has missed six straight games due to right knee inflammation, but he's trending in the right direction after logging a full practice. His next chance to suit up will come Saturday in Denver, and his status for that game should be revealed when Philadelphia drops its injury report Friday night.

Fernando (back) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Mavericks.

Fernando's ongoing absence shouldn't impact the rotation, as Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu are both available. Fernando's next chance to suit up will come Sunday versus the Raptors.

Capela (calf) is available for Friday's game against the Mavericks.

Capela will shake off a questionable tag and suit up Friday despite a calf issue. He has notched a double-double in back-to-back games and has averaged 10.3 points, 9.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in 23.8 minutes per game over his last six appearances.

Porzingis (ankle) is doubtful for Saturday's game versus the Clippers, Taylor Snow of the Celtics' official site reports.

Porzingis is expected to miss Saturday's contest due to a left ankle sprain he suffered against Miami. While the 28-year-old big man downplayed the severity of his injury, it appears Boston will play it cautiously. Al Horford will likely enter the starting lineup if Porzingis is ruled out.