NBA Player News

Huff finished with 29 points (13-17 FG, 3-6 3Pt), nine rebounds, one assist, two blocks and two steals across 29 minutes during Friday's 127-119 victory over the Pelicans.

This was quite the bounce-back performance for Huff, who was held to just seven points across 16 minutes his last time out, as he set a new career-high in points while only missing four shots. Over the past six games, Huff has averaged 15.5 points per game on 67.2 percent shooting from the field and 100 percent at the stripe. He has also averaged 3.7 rebounds, 2.0 triples, 1.8 blocks and just 1.2 turnovers per contest during that span.

Sabonis is not in the starting lineup for Friday's game versus the Wizards, Brenden Nunes of KHTK Sactown Sports 1140 reports.

Sabonis will play Friday, but presumably to limit his minutes, he'll be working in a reserve role. Considering he's been out since mid-November, it wouldn't be shocking to see Sabonis operating with a minutes cap for at least the next few games.

Reid won't start against the Rockets on Friday.

Rudy Gobert is back in the lineup following a one-game suspension, so Reid will slide back to the second unit. Over seven outings (one start) so far this month, the 26-year-old big man has averaged 17.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 blocks across 25.9 minutes per tilt.

Sabonis (knee) is available for Friday's game versus the Wizards.

Sabonis will likely have some sort of minutes restriction in his first game back, but his return is bad news for the fantasy outlook of Maxime Raynaud. Precious Achiuwa also figures to take a hit with Sabonis back in the mix. Even with a minutes limit, Sabonis is a must-start player whenever he's active.

Ayton (knee) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Trail Blazers, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.

Ayton is managing left knee soreness that puts his availability in question for the first leg of the Lakers' weekend back-to-back. With backup center Jaxson Hayes (hamstring) also questionable, Los Angeles could be without its top two bigs Saturday. If both are sidelined, Maxi Kleber and Drew Timme would be candidates to handle frontcourt minutes.

Hayes is questionable for Saturday's game against the Trail Blazers due to left hamstring tendinopathy, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.

Hayes is in jeopardy of missing his third straight game due to the lingering hamstring issue. If the big man is not cleared to play, Maxi Kleber and Drew Timme would likely see increased minutes, especially if Deandre Ayton (knee) is downgraded from questionable to out as well.

Lopez is not in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Raptors, NBA writer Justin Russo reports.

The veteran center drew a spot start Wednesday with Ivica Zubac (ankle) sidelined, but Lopez will return to a reserve role now that Zubac is healthy. In his last five games off the bench, Lopez has averaged 3.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.0 blocks in 16.8 minutes per contest.

Zubac (ankle) is available for Friday's game against the Raptors.

Zubac will shed his questionable tag and return from a one-game absence due to a sprained left ankle. The 28-year-old big man has started each of his last five appearances, averaging 12.6 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.0 blocks across 29.4 minutes per game during that span.

Embiid (knee) is available for Friday's game against the Cavaliers.

Embiid was previously listed as probable due to left knee injury management but has officially been cleared to play Friday. The big man has been performing at a high level of late, averaging 26.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.1 blocks in 32.6 minutes per contest across his last 10 appearances.

Gafford (ankle) is doubtful to play Saturday versus Utah.

It appears Gafford will be missing his second straight game Saturday, which should result in another start for Dwight Powell and extended minutes for Moussa Cisse. Check back for official word on Gafford's status closer to Saturday's tip.