NBA Player News

Porzingis (Achilles) is out for Monday's game against the Pacers, Kevin Chouinard of the Hawks' official site reports.

Porzingis will miss a ninth straight game due to left Achilles tendinitis. Chouinard reported Jan. 19 that Porzingis was set to be re-evaluated in one week, so the big man will likely have a clearer timetable for return in the coming days. His next opportunity to suit up comes Wednesday against the Celtics.

Horford will start Sunday's game against the Timberwolves, Anthony Slater of ESPN.com reports.

Horford will make just his second start of the season as the team continues to test new starting lineups following the injury to star forward Jimmy Butler (knee). Horford has seen a slightly increased role of late, averaging 21.0 minutes per contest over his last five appearances. His role doesn't figure to change significantly even as he enters the starting five. Head coach Steve Kerr said Sunday that Horford won't play in Monday's rematch against Minnesota, per Jack Borman of the Locked On Podcast Network.

Queta (illness) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Trail Blazers, Justin Turpin of WEEI.com reports.

Queta has been battling through an illness of late, which led to him being removed from the Celtics' starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Bulls, during which he played 24 minutes and logged six points (2-6 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three rebounds, two steals and one block. Rookie second-rounder Amari Williams would be slated to start for a second consecutive game if Queta is unable to play or is limited to a reserve role.

Sunday's game for Turner between the Bucks and Mavericks has been postponed due to inclement weather, Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The NBA will announce a date for the rescheduled game at a later time, though Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News relays that the league is considering a makeup date of Feb. 19. Turner and the Bucks' next scheduled game takes place Tuesday against the 76ers.

Raynaud won't start against the Pistons on Sunday, James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento reports.

Domantas Sabonis will return to the starting five Sunday, pushing Raynaud to the second unit for the first time since Dec. 3. The rookie second-rounder has averaged 7.5 points and 3.7 rebounds in 15.9 minutes per game across 14 outings off the bench so far this season.

Phoenix assigned Maluach to the G League Valley Suns on Sunday.

The rookie first-rounder has averaged just 4.7 minutes per game across 18 appearances in the NBA this season, with his last game action having come Jan. 11 against the Wizards. He'll get some more reps in the G League, where he is averaging 16.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.0 threes and 2.7 blocks over 29.8 minutes per game across seven appearances with the Valley Suns.

Cisse (illness) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Bucks.

Cisse is trending toward missing a second consecutive game while battling through an illness. His absence Sunday would leave Dwight Powell as the lone backup big man behind Daniel Gafford. Cisse has averaged 7.0 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocks over 16.8 minutes per game over his last six outings.

Horford (toe) is available for Sunday's game against the Timberwolves.

With Saturday's game being postponed to Sunday, Horford will end up playing in the first leg of a back-to-back set with Minnesota. Head coach Steve Kerr said Sunday that Horford won't play in Monday's rematch against Minnesota, per Jack Borman of the Locked On Podcast Network. The veteran big man has averaged 7.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.6 threes and 1.2 blocks over 18.8 minutes per game over his last 10 outings.

The Raptors announced Sunday that Poeltl returned to Toronto to receive targeted pain relief treatment for his back injury and doesn't have an established timeline to return to the court, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Poeltl has been managing the back issue since the start of the season and hasn't played since suffering an aggravation of the injury Dec. 21. The Raptors noted that an update on Poeltl's status will be established once he resumes practicing, but at this point, he looks closer to week-to-week than day-to-day. Rookie first-rounder Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) and veteran Sandro Mamukelashvili should continue to handle expanded roles at center for as long as Poeltl is sidelined.

Gafford (ankle) racked up two points (0-1 FG, 2-2 FT), two rebounds, two blocks and one assist over 16 minutes off the bench during Saturday's 116-110 loss to the Lakers.

The 27-year-old center had missed the prior four games due to an ankle injury, and while Gafford was eased back into action, he managed to make an impact at the rim. With Anthony Davis (finger) likely out for another month or more and with Dereck Lively (foot) done for the season, Gafford should move back into the starting five eventually, but the Mavericks could be cautious with him on the second half of a back-to-back Sunday in Milwaukee.