NBA Player News

Raynaud posted 14 points (6-7 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 1-1 FT), 14 rebounds, one assist and one block across 36 minutes in Friday's 112-93 loss to the Celtics.

After coming off the bench in three straight games, Raynaud got the starting nod Friday due to Domantas Sabonis (rest) being sidelined. Raynaud turned in an extremely efficient performance and finished as Sacramento's third-leading scorer. The rookie second-rounder also led the Kings in rebounds, securing his seventh double-double through 42 regular-season appearances. He scored in double figures for the first time since Jan. 14 and grabbed double-digit boards for the first time since Dec. 30.

Valanciunas won't start against the Clippers on Friday.

With Nikola Jokic (knee) back in the lineup, Valanciunas will retreat to the bench. The veteran big man has averaged 8.2 points and 4.5 rebounds in 13.0 minutes per game over 32 appearances off the bench this season.

Valanciunas (calf) is available for Friday's game against the Clippers.

As expected, Valanciunas will shed his probable tag and suit up Friday. The veteran big man has appeared in four outings following an extended absence due to a calf strain. During that stretch, he has averaged 14.7 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 26.0 minutes per tilt. However, with Nikola Jokic (knee) back in the lineup, Valanciunas will likely see fewer minutes.

Jokic (knee) is available for Friday's game against the Clippers.

This will be Jokic's first game in over a month, so while he will start, the three-time MVP will have his minutes monitored, according to Vic Lombardi of Altitude Sports. Jonas Valanciunas will likely head back to the second unit with Jokic active, and Zeke Nnaji's minutes will see a sizable dip. Even with a minutes restriction, Jokic is a must-start option.

Williams is not in the starting lineup for Friday's matchup with the Kings, Justin Turpin of WEEI.com reports.

Williams was included in the rotation in each of the last five games and started at center in Wednesday's loss to Atlanta while Neemias Queta out due to an illness, but Queta is back and starting Friday. The rookie two-way player doesn't look as though he'll be in line for playing time Friday, as the Celtics list him out for the contest in what's likely a measure to preserve his eligibility while he approaches his limit of 50 active games at the NBA level for the season.

Queta will start Friday's game against the Kings, Justin Turpin of WEEI.com reports.

Queta will return to action following a one-game absence due to an illness, and as expected, he'll step back into the starting five. The big man has started all but one of his 14 January appearances, during which he has averaged 10.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, 1.2 assists and 1.1 steals in 25.1 minutes per game.

Williams (knee) is available for Friday's game in New York.

Williams is back after a one-game stint on the sidelines, and his return will likely result in Yang Hansen falling out of the rotation. Williams is averaging 6.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game this season.

Vucevic (rest) is doubtful to play Saturday versus the Heat.

Vucevic is expected to rest on the first leg of this upcoming back-to-back set, and managers can expect to get official confirmation on his status closer to tipoff. With Vucevic unavailable and Jalen Smith (calf) questionable, Matas Buzelis and Patrick Williams could be tapped to play some center minutes Saturday evening.

Valanciunas (calf) is probable for Friday's game against the Clippers.

Valanciunas is expected to play through another probable tag related to his calf injury. He may see a reduced role, however, as Nikola Jokic (knee) is expected back in the lineup Friday.

Jokic (knee) is expected to play Friday against the Clippers, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

Jokic is officially listed as questionable on the NBA injury report, but barring a setback leading up to Friday's 9 p.m. ET tipoff, the three-time MVP looks poised to put an end to his 16-game absence due to a left knee bone bruise, which he suffered in a Dec. 29 loss to the Heat. Charania had previously reported Tuesday that Jokic wasn't scheduled to be re-evaluated for another week, but the veteran center evidently responded to workouts better than expected over the next few days and looks like he'll be given the green light to suit up Friday. Assuming Jokic ends up playing, expect him to operate with a minutes restriction.