NBA Player News

Ayton (back) is now questionable for Sunday's game against the Heat, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.

Ayton was originally labeled probable for Sunday's game, but he has now been downgraded to questionable as he continues to deal with tightness and spasms in his back. If he is unable to go, Jaxson Hayes figures to see an expanded role.

Hartenstein logged 14 points (6-7 FG, 2-3 FT), 14 rebounds, eight assists, one block and one steal across 26 minutes during Sunday's 137-106 win over the Pelicans.

The 27-year-old center has never recorded a triple-double, but he might have gotten his first Sunday if the game had been more competitive and the Thunder hadn't pulled starters like Hartenstein with about seven minutes left in the fourth quarter. He had to settle for his third double-double of the season instead, and Hartenstein has racked up double-digit boards in five of seven games to begin the campaign, averaging 10.9 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 63.0 percent from the floor.

Niederhauser (ankle) is available for Monday's game against the Heat, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

Niederhauser missed Friday's game against the Pelicans due to a left ankle sprain, but he will be available for Monday's bout. Niederhauser hasn't seen much of a role to this point, so his availability likely doesn't impact the rotation.

Robinson (injury management) will play in Sunday's game against the Bulls, Ian Begley of SportsNet New York reports.

Robinson will suit up in the front end of the team's back-to-back set, shedding his questionable tag due to left ankle injury management. The big man made his first appearance of the season during Friday's loss in Chicago, during which he posted four points (2-3 FG), 11 rebounds and two assists in 20 minutes.

Nurkic will start in Sunday's game against the Hornets, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

With Walker Kessler (shoulder) sidelined, Nurkic will get the starting nod against his former team. The veteran big man has received consistent playing time off the bench through five regular-season games, averaging 7.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.4 steals across 17.2 minutes per contest.

Kalkbrenner (personal) is available for Sunday's game against Utah.

Kalkbrenner will shed his questionable tag due to personal reasons and play in the second leg of the team's back-to-back set. The rookie big man has been extremely efficient through six regular-season games, averaging 10.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.8 blocks while shooting 85.3 percent from the field in 27.8 minutes per contest.

Kessler (shoulder) did not travel with the team to Charlotte and is undergoing further testing.

Kessler was already set to miss his first game of the season Sunday and now appears at risk of missing the remainder of Utah's four-game road trip after staying behind to treat a left shoulder injury. Jusuf Nurkic is expected to start in his place Sunday and should handle the bulk of the center minutes for as long as the Auburn product is sidelined.

Lively (knee) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Rockets.

Lively will miss his fourth straight game due to a right knee sprain, with his next opportunity to return coming Wednesday against the Pelicans. With both him and Anthony Davis (calf) sidelined, Daniel Gafford is likely to remain in the starting lineup, while Dwight Powell could see increased opportunities.

Allen (finger) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Hawks, Chris Fedor of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Allen will miss a second consecutive game while recovering from a fractured finger on his left hand. In his absence, expect Evan Mobley to see more action at center, with Dean Wade, Larry Nance and Thomas Bryant being candidates to see increased opportunities Sunday.

Kalkbrenner (personal) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jazz.

Kalkbrenner was a late addition to Sunday's injury report due to personal reasons. The rookie has started all six games so far this season, and if he's unavailable, Moussa Diabate and Mason Plumlee will handle the bulk of the center minutes.