NBA Player News

Valanciunas is not in the Nuggets' starting lineup against the Lakers on Friday, Trevor Lane of LakersNation.com reports.

Valanciunas was in the Nuggets' starting five in Monday's 128-125 win over the Jazz, when he finished with 13 points, six rebounds, one assist and one steal over 17 minutes. He'll revert to a bench role for Thursday's contest while Zeke Nnaji starts alongside Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Julian Strawther and Nikola Jokic.

Missi is starting Thursday's game against the Kings.

Missi will make his first start since Jan. 2 as he'll rotate into the first unit with Dejounte Murray (rest) sidelined Thursday. Missi is averaging 5.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in three games since returning from a left calf strain.

Ighodaro is in the Suns' starting lineup against the Bulls on Thursday.

The 2024 second-rounder will make his eighth start of the season Thursday (and first since Dec. 29 against the Wizards) due to the absence of Mark Williams, the latter of whom is expected to miss at least 2-to-3 weeks due to a left foot injury. Ighodoro is coming off a strong performance against the Kings on Tuesday, when he logged 14 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and one block over 26 minutes.

Zubac (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Lakers.

Zubac will have to wait at least one more game to make his Pacers debut while recovering from a left ankle sprain. His next chance to do so is Sunday against the Trail Blazers, but there's been no indication that the veteran center will be available for that contest.

Kleber (back) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Nuggets, Trevor Lane of LakersNation.com reports.

Kleber is working through a back injury that will sideline him for Thursday's game, though he could be available for the second leg of the Lakers' back-to-back set against the Pacers on Friday. He's averaging 11.0 minutes off the bench this season, and that playing time will likely be absorbed by Jaxson Hayes and Jarred Vanderbilt.

Williams will be re-evaluated in 2-to-3 weeks after being diagnosed with a stress reaction in the third metatarsal of his left foot, Shane Young of the Suns' official site reports.

This is a huge blow for the Suns, as Williams has managed to remain relatively healthy up until this point in the campaign. His absence for the next few weeks should open up opportunities for Oso Ighodaro and Khaman Maluach at center.

Bitadze will come off the bench Thursday against the Mavericks.

Bitadze drew a spot start Tuesday with Wendell Carter sidelined, but Carter has been given the green light to take the court Thursday. Bitadze has struggled to remain in the rotation over the last few months, but he could see playing time Thursday given that Jonathan Isaac (knee) is out.

Sengun (illness) will play in Thursday's game against the Warriors, Varun Shankar of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Sengun hasn't missed a contest since Jan. 9, and an illness won't change that Thursday. Over his last seven outings following the All-Star break, the star big man has averaged 18.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.3 steals in 33.5 minutes per game.

Carter (ankle) is available for Thursday's game against the Mavericks.

Carter did not play in the Magic's 126-109 win over the Wizards on Tuesday due to right ankle soreness. The veteran center has been given the green light to return Thursday, which should bump Goga Bitadze out of the Magic's starting lineup. Carter has averaged 10.7 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists over 31.3 minutes per game since the All-Star break.

Robinson (ankle) is off the injury report for Friday's game against Denver.

Robinson sat out Wednesday's win over the Thunder, the second leg of a back-to-back set, but he's ready to return to action Friday. The 27-year-old center has averaged 5.8 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 17.2 minutes per tilt in his last eight games, shooting a robust 73.9 percent from the floor.