NBA Player News

Richards (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's game against Minnesota.

As expected, Richards has been downgraded from doubtful to out and will miss a third straight game due to a right ankle sprain. Mark Williams (back) also remains out, so P.J. Washington, Nathan Mensah and JT Thor are candidates for increased roles against Minnesota's stout frontcourt. Richards' next chance to suit up will come Wednesday in Detroit.

Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic said Monday that Poeltl is progressing well in his recovery from an ankle injury, and while the center remains out Monday against Memphis, the Raptors are hoping to get him back "very, very soon," Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca reports.

Poeltl will miss an eighth straight contest Monday, but he's resumed on-court work and appears close to returning to game action. Toronto has only two games remaining in Week 14 following Monday's game -- Friday versus the Clippers and Sunday in Atlanta. Even if Poeltl is cleared to suit up for either of the latter two games, he'll likely operate under a minute restriction while easing back into the rotation. He's been sidelined since Jan. 7 due to the left ankle sprain.

Jackson (concussion) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Nuggets.

Jackson has missed the last two games due to a concussion, but it's encouraging that he's questionable ahead of Tuesday's matchup rather than being immediately ruled out. Jarace Walker should continue to see increased run if Jackson remains out Tuesday.

Collins (ankle) is available for Monday's game against the 76ers, Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News reports.

Collins will suit up for a third straight contest following a nine-game absence due to a right ankle sprain. He started his first game back but operated as a reserve Saturday versus the Wizards, as Victor Wembanyama replaced Collins following a rest day. Collins is expected to handle a bench role again Monday, but he could see plenty of action versus Joel Embiid and Philadelphia.

Bamba (knee) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Spurs.

Bamba will miss a fifth straight game, but his initial questionable designation is a sign of progress. When cleared to return, he should resume a backup role behind Joel Embiid. Bamba's next chance to suit up will come Thursday in Indiana.

Drummond (back) is available for Monday's game versus the Suns.

As expected, Drummond has been upgraded from probable to available and will keep his perfect attendance alive. The veteran big man has grabbed double-digit boards off the bench in three of his past four games, averaging 8.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.0 blocks in 17.0 minutes during that stretch.

Bol (foot) will not play in Monday's game against Chicago, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports.

Bol will miss his fifth consecutive game due to a sore right foot. The Suns haven't provided a clear indication of where Bol stands in his recovery, making him uncertain to be available for Wednesday's matchup with the Mavericks.

Horford (rest) isn't listed on Boston's injury report ahead of Monday's game versus Dallas, Taylor Snow of the Celtics' official site reports.

Horford took the night off Sunday for rest purposes, but as expected, he'll be good to go Monday. With Kristaps Porzingis (knee) out, Horford should start at center and see increased playing time versus Dallas.

Porzingis has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Mavericks due to right knee inflammation, Taylor Snow of the Celtics' official site reports.

Boston continues to be cautious with the talented big man, so this is likely just a rest day for Porzingis, as he posted 32 points (11-21 FG, 6-11 3Pt) and five blocks in 33 minutes during Sunday's win over Houston. He should be back in action Thursday in Miami, while Al Horford should start in Porzingis' place versus Dallas on Monday. Luke Kornet, Sam Hauser and Oshae Brissett are also candidates for a few extra minutes.

The Knicks list Hartenstein as questionable for Tuesday's game against the Nets with left Achilles tendinopathy.

New York labeled the injury that forced Hartenstein out early in Saturday's 126-100 win over the Raptors as a sore left ankle, but his injury has since been classified differently. Head coach Tom Thibodeau suggested that Hartenstein remains sore two days after exiting Saturday's game, and the center was held out of Monday's practice as a result. Though he's officially listed as questionable, Hartenstein appears more likely than not to sit out Tuesday. If that's the case, the Knicks will likely turn to Precious Achiuwa and Jericho Sims to absorb most of the minutes at center, though power forward Julius Randle could also serve as a small-ball option at the position.