NBA Player News

Richards (recently traded) is off the injury report for Saturday's game against Denver.

Richards is set to be available off the bench for his Bulls debut Saturday. The 2020 second-rounder offers Chicago some frontcourt depth, but considering he last appeared Jan. 7 for the Suns, Richards would likely need Jalen Smith (calf) to be out in order to see significant minutes.

Okongwu (mouth) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Hornets.

Okongwu underwent a dental procedure Jan. 29 and has missed Atlanta's last four games, though there's a chance he will return Saturday. If the big man is cleared to play, there would be fewer minutes available for guys like Jock Landale and Mouhamed Gueye.

Tillman (recently traded) is off the injury report for Saturday's game against the Hawks.

Tillman is set to be available off the bench for his Hornets debut Saturday, However, he appears to be facing an uphill climb for playing time after playing an inconsistent role for the Celtics earlier this year.

Sarr (ankle) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Nets.

Sarr is dealing with ankle soreness on the front end of this back-to-back set. If the second-year big man is held out, the Wizards could lean on Tristan Vukcevic, Anthony Gill and Will Riley.

Sabonis is out for Friday's game against the Clippers with lower-back soreness.

Friday is the front end of a back-to-back, so it's plausible that the star big man will be able to play Saturday against the Cavaliers. Maxime Raynaud figures to jump into the starting lineup in Sabonis' stead, setting him up to split the center minutes with fellow rookie Dylan Cardwell.

Jackson (trade pending) won't play for the Clippers on Friday versus the Kings or Saturday versus the Timberwolves, Joey Linn of SI.com reports.

After being acquired from the Pacers ahead of Thursday's trade deadline, Jackson is joining his new squad in Minnesota, but the team doesn't plan for him to make his Clippers debut until Tuesday's game in Houston. With Jackson out for the next two games, Brook Lopez should start at center while Yanic Konan Niederhauser serves as the primary backup.

Claxton racked up 14 points (6-8 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-5 FT), six rebounds and three assists in 29 minutes during Thursday's 118-98 loss to Orlando.

Claxton produced another mediocre line Thursday, and he has been averaging less production across every major category since Jan. 1 when compared with his season-long numbers. While he's a versatile contributor, his overall output has dipped in recent weeks, and it's possible the Nets shut him down eventually as they play for lottery odds.

Duren (knee) is questionable for Friday's game against the Knicks.

Duren left Thursday's game against the Wizards early due to right knee soreness, and the center remains day-to-day. It wouldn't be a surprise if the team held him out for the second leg of this back-to-back set. If Duren doesn't suit up, the team could rely more on Isaiah Stewart, Ronald Holland and Paul Reed.

Towns is doubtful for Friday's game against the Pistons due to a right eye laceration.

Towns got his right eye bandaged up during Wednesday's 134-127 double-overtime victory over the Nuggets, and now it sounds like he won't be able to play Friday. Mitchell Robinson appears to be slated to handle the starting center job against Detroit, with Ariel Hukporti stepping into the backup role.

Gafford registered 16 points (5-8 FG, 6-8 FT), 10 rebounds, two assists, four blocks and three steals in 33 minutes before fouling out of Thursday's 135-123 loss to the Spurs.

Gafford was upgraded to available shortly before tipoff Thursday and didn't show any signs of his ankle injury hampering his play. The big man has started five consecutive matchups for the Mavs and is averaging 12.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.4 blocks in 26.4 minutes over this strong stretch.