NBA Player News

Wembanyama tallied 26 points (10-15 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 4-7 FT), 12 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal over 21 minutes during the Spurs' 126-98 win over the Hawks on Friday.

Wembanyama came off the bench and played less than 25 minutes for a third consecutive game while managing a calf injury that caused him to miss 12 games, but he still made his impact felt during Friday's blowout win. The third-year center posted his 10th double-double of the season and led the Spurs in scoring, rebounds and point differential (plus-29). Wembanyama will continue to have his minutes monitored but could return to the starting lineup as soon as Sunday against the Wizards.

Ware tallied 24 points (8-12 FG, 6-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 14 rebounds, two assists and one block over 28 minutes during the Heat's 129-116 loss to the Celtics on Friday.

Ware started a second straight game, and in each of those starts he has posted a 20-point double-double. He ended up leading the Heat in both scoring and rebounding (with five of his 14 boards coming off the offensive glass), and he set a career high with six three-pointers. Ware will likely start against the Knicks on Sunday if Andrew Wiggins (back) is not cleared to play.

Bradley is questionable for Saturday's game in New Orleans due to a fractured right thumb.

Bradley exited Thursday's loss to the Knicks with what the team initially called a "sore thumb," but his injury has now been updated to a "fracture" on the official injury report. Check back for another update on Bradley closer to Saturday's tipoff at 7:00 p.m. ET.

Niederhauser (knee) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Lakers.

Niederhauser will miss his second consecutive contest due to left knee soreness, though his absence shouldn't cause any major waves in the Clippers rotation. The rookie's next opportunity to suit up will come Tuesday against the Rockets.

Ayton (elbow) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Clippers, Dan Woike of The Athletic reports.

Ayton will end up missing a second consecutive game while working through left elbow soreness, and his next chance to play is Tuesday against the Suns. Jaxson Hayes should draw the start at center Saturday in Ayton's absence.

Sabonis (knee) will be sidelined for at least 4-to-5 more weeks, NBA reporter Marc Stein reports.

Sabonis has been rehabbing from a partially torn meniscus in his left knee that he sustained in mid-November. His absence will extend into the new year, and it's unclear whether the veteran center will be able to return in January. Rookie second-rounder Maxime Raynaud has started each of the Kings' last five games and should remain in the starting lineup for as long as Sabonis is sidelined.

Hukporti won't start against the 76ers on Friday.

With Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) back in the lineup, Hukporti will retreat to the second unit after starting Thursday's win over Indiana. The Knicks will also have Mitchell Robinson (ankle) in the second leg of their back-to-back set, so Hukporti isn't likely to see significant minutes.

Drummond is in the starting lineup for Friday's matchup with the Knicks, Ky Carlin of USA Today reports.

Joel Embiid (illness) is out, so Drummond will slide back into the first unit. He'll be joined by Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Paul George and Dominick Barlow. Over 11 starts this season, Drummond has compiled averages of 10.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, 0.8 triples, 0.8 steals and 0.9 blocks per game.

Collins (wrist) is available for Friday's game against Cleveland.

As expected, Collins will shed his probable tag due to left wrist soreness. The 28-year-old center has appeared in each of Chicago's last five games, averaging 7.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 17.6 minutes per tilt over that stretch.

Towns (knee) is available for Friday's game against the 76ers, Ky Carlin of USA Today reports.

After sitting out Thursday's win over the Pacers due to left knee soreness, Towns will shed his probable tag for the second leg of New York's back-to-back set. Over five regular-season appearances in December, the star big man has averaged 25.0 points, 11.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.0 steals in 32.4 minutes per contest. With Towns and Mitchell Robinson (ankle) both back in the lineup, Ariel Hukporti should see a significant dip in minutes.