NBA Player News

Landale (neck) is not listed on the injury report ahead of Monday's game against the Nuggets.

Landale left Saturday's game against the Mavericks early due to neck soreness, but he will not carry an injury designation into Monday's contest. Over his last three completed games, Landale has averaged 10.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 17.3 minutes per contest.

Bitadze will start Sunday's game against Boston.

With Wendell Carter (ankle) sidelined in the second leg of Orlando's back-to-back set, Bitadze will get the starting nod for the first time this season. Over his last five appearances, the big man has averaged 6.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks in 16.2 minutes per contest. However, he's likely to see a significant uptick in minutes as a member of the starting five.

Okongwu will start Sunday's game against the Hornets, Kevin Chouinard of the Hawks' official site reports.

With Kristaps Porzingis (rest) sitting out the second leg of Atlanta's back-to-back set, Okongwu will get the starting nod. In his previous six starts this season, the big man averaged 20.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.2 blocks and 1.7 steals in 34.3 minutes per game.

Plumlee will start Sunday's game against Atlanta, Kevin Chouinard of the Hawks' official site reports.

With Ryan Kalkbrenner (ankle) sidelined, Plumlee will get the starting nod for the first time this season. The veteran big man has played a limited role thus far, and he has averaged just 7.0 minutes per contest over his last five appearances dating back to Nov. 2.

Carter (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Celtics, Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel reports.

Carter will miss his first game of the season in the second half of the back-to-back Sunday while battling a left ankle sprain. In his absence, the Magic will likely turn to Goga Bitadze to start at center.

Kalkbrenner (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Hawks.

Kalkbrenner will miss the second half of the Hornets' back-to-back set due to a sprained left ankle he sustained in Saturday's loss to the Clippers. With the rookie big man sidelined, Moussa Diabate and Mason Plumlee are likely to see increased minutes. Kalkbrenner's next opportunity to play will come Wednesday against the Knicks.

Kalkbrenner (ankle) has been downgraded to doubtful for Sunday's game against the Hawks.

After exiting Saturday's loss to the Clippers in the second quarter due to a sprained left ankle, Kalkbrenner is expected to miss the second leg of the team's back-to-back set. If the rookie big man is ultimately ruled out, Moussa Diabate and Mason Plumlee are likely to see increased playing time.

Okongwu (ankle) is available for Sunday's game against the Hornets, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports.

Okongwu was previously listed as questionable with left ankle inflammation but will shed that designation and suit up Sunday. With Kristaps Porzingis (rest) out, Okongwu is in line to make his seventh start of the season. In his first six, the big man averaged 20.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.2 blocks and 1.7 steals in 34.3 minutes per contest.

Horford will miss at least three games due to sciatica, Sam Gordon of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The veteran big man is dealing with a nerve issue, and his next opportunity to play will come against the Thunder on Tuesday, Dec. 2. With the 39-year-old sidelined, Quinten Post and Trayce Jackson-Davis are candidates for increased playing time. Over his last five appearances, Horford has averaged 6.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks in 22.2 minutes per contest.

Claxton (elbow) is available for Sunday's game against the Raptors, C.J. Holmes of the New York Daily News reports.

Claxton was listed as probable ahead of Sunday with a left elbow sprain, so his availability comes as no surprise. The big man is coming off his first career triple-double Friday against the Celtics and has averaged 15.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 2.0 blocks over the Nets' past five games.