NBA Player News

Carlson won't return to Wednesday's game against the Pistons due to low back soreness, Nick Crain of Forbes.com reports.

Carlson tweaked his back during the first quarter and will end the game with four points (2-4 FG, 0-2 3Pt), four rebounds, two assists in four minutes. The second-year center previously missed the Thunder's final game before the All-Star break due to a similar injury, but he was available for each of Oklahoma City's first three contests of the second half.

Horford is in the Warriors' starting lineup against the Grizzlies on Wednesday.

Horford will be in the Warriors' starting five for the second time in three games due to the absence of Draymond Green (back). In his last start against the Nuggets on Sunday, Horford recorded 22 points, seven assists, one rebound, three steals and two blocks over 27 minutes in a 128-117 win.

Hayes (ankle) is probable for Thursday's game against Phoenix, Trevor Lane of LakersNation.com reports.

Hayes is on track to return from a one-game absence because of a right ankle sprain. The 25-year-old center is averaging 6.8 points and 3.8 rebounds across 17.3 minutes per game this season. His return could mean fewer opportunities for Maxi Kleber and Jarred Vanderbilt.

Gafford (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Thursday's game against the Kings.

It appears as though Gafford will sit out of the front end of the Mavericks' back-to-back set while managing a right ankle injury, but he should be available to play against the Grizzlies on Friday. Marvin Bagley figures to step into the starting center spot if Gafford is ruled out for Thursday's contest.

Hansen is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Bulls due to mid-back soreness.

Hansen may have picked up the injury during his most recent appearance in the G League with the Rip City Remix on Sunday, when he posted 11 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and two blocks over 29 minutes in a 118-113 loss to the Santa Cruz Warriors. Robert Williams (foot) is also listed as questionable, so if both Williams and Hansen aren't available Thursday, Portland could turn to Sidy Cissoko or Jerami Grant to play center when starter Donovan Clingan is off the court.

Williams (foot) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against Chicago.

Williams missed Portland's most recent game due to a sore foot, and he's at risk of missing a second straight game. The veteran center is averaging 6.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks across 16.2 minutes per game this season.

Embiid is listed as probable for Thursday's game against the Heat due to right knee injury management and right shin soreness, Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com reports.

Embiid has been tending to knee and shin injuries, issues that caused him to miss five consecutive games before playing 26 minutes against the Pacers on Tuesday. While he's not fully recovered, the veteran center is expected to play through the injury Thursday. Embiid logged 27 points, six rebounds and five assists against Indiana.

Missi (calf) will remain out for Thursday's game in Utah.

Thursday will mark Missi's fifth consecutive game on the sidelines, and it's not a great sign that he continues to get ruled out a full day in advance of tipoff. For now, he should be considered highly questionable for Saturday's rematch with the Jazz.

Horford (toe) is available for Wednesday's game against the Grizzlies.

Horford is no longer on the injury report after missing the front end of this back-to-back set Tuesday against the Pelicans. Even with Draymond Green (rest) questionable, Horford is likely going to see a modest workload Wednesday.

Hartenstein has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Pistons due to right soleus injury management, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Wednesday's game will be the second of a back-to-back set, so Hartenstein will receive a maintenance day after tallying 11 points, nine rebounds, two blocks and one steal in 26 minutes during Tuesday's 116-107 victory over the Raptors. Chet Holmgren (back) isn't expected to play either, so Jaylin Williams could be looking at a spot start at center. The Thunder will also have more minutes available in the frontcourt for Kenrich Williams and Branden Carlson.