NBA Player News

Richards (ankle) is in the starting lineup to begin the second half of Wednesday's game against the Pelicans, Sam Perley of the Hornets' official site reports.

Richards suffered a right ankle sprain in the second quarter and was labeled questionable to return, but he'll be good to go for the second half. Prior to the injury, Richards logged six points and eight rebounds.

Ayton won't play in Wednesday's game versus the Nets, as he was unable to make it to the stadium due to ice and poor weather conditions that prohibited him from traveling, Casey Holdahl of the Trail Blazers' official site reports.

Ayton was set to return to action Wednesday after missing the last 11 games with a right knee issue. However, his inability to travel to the stadium will likely mean that Duop Reath will remain in the starting lineup. Ayton should be available for Friday's game versus Indiana.

Richards is questionable to return to Wednesday's game against the Pelicans with a sprained right ankle.

Richards sustained the injury in the second quarter and could miss the second half of Wednesday's tilt. If he's unable to return, P.J. Washington and Nathan Mensah would be expected to handle more minutes.

Ayton (knee) is available for Wednesday's game versus the Nets, Sean Highkin of RoseGardenReport.com reports.

Ayton will return to action Wednesday after missing the previous 11 games with right knee tendinitis. The 25-year-old big man will likely reclaim his starting spot from Duop Reath. However, it wouldn't be surprising to see Ayton on a minutes restriction.

Badji (hip) will play in Wednesday's game against the Nets, Sean Highkin of RoseGardenReport.com reports.

Badji missed the Trail Blazers' most recent contest due to a right hip contusion; however, he's been activated for Wednesday's tilt. He should be expected to operate in a reserve capacity against Brooklyn.

Kornet will start Wednesday's game against the Spurs.

Jaylen Brown is returning to the starting lineup, but Derrick White (ankle) and Kristaps Porzingis (knee) have been ruled out, so Kornet will start next to Al Horford in the frontcourt Wednesday. In his only other start this season, Kornet posted 20 points, eight rebounds and three blocks in 33 minutes versus the Raptors on Dec. 29.

Collins (ankle) progressed to 3-on-3 work Wednesday and said he's optimistic he can return before the end of San Antonio's five-game road trip, which ends Monday in Philadelphia, Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News reports.

Collins hasn't played since Dec. 29 due to a right ankle sprain. His next chance to suit up will come Friday in Charlotte, but that's the first half of a back-to-back set, so it seems his earliest return date will likely be Monday's matchup against the 76ers. Victor Wembanyama has been starting at center in Collins' absence, but the Rookie of the Year candidate prefers to play power forward, so it'll be interesting to see how the lineup shakes out when Collins is back in the mix.

Porzingis (knee) won't play in Wednesday's game versus the Spurs.

Porzingis has been downgraded from questionable to out Wednesday due to right knee inflammation. Al Horford and Luke Kornet will likely receive increased playing time in his absence. Porzingis' next chance to suit up is Friday's matchup with Denver.

Drummond is listed as probable for Thursday's game versus the Raptors due to right lower back spasms.

Drummond has yet to miss a game this season and isn't expected to do so Thursday despite dealing with back spasms. The veteran big man will likely continue to serve as Chicago's backup center to Nikola Vucevic if he's upgraded to available.

Bagley (trade pending) isn't on the injury report for Thursday's game versus the Knicks.

Bagley appears set to make his Wizards debut Thursday after being acquired from the Pistons on Sunday. Bagley will likely serve as Washington's backup center to Daniel Gafford (concussion), but Bagley could start against the Knicks due to Gafford being out for the contest.