NBA Player News

Kleber (back) is available for Thursday's game against the Jazz.

A lumbar muscle strain is bothering Kleber, but not enough to stop him from getting the green light to play. The veteran center has handled a muted role in 2025-26, averaging 1.8 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.6 assists in 12.1 minutes through 10 games.

Horford (back) said Thursday he expects to miss another week of action, Nick Friedell of The Athletic reports.

Horford has missed nine of the last 10 games, including Thursday's game against the Suns, and he's preparing to miss at least a few more. A Christmas Day return against the Mavericks could be on the table, but it's certainly not a guarantee.

Poeltl (injury management) has been downgraded to questionable for Thursday's game against the Bucks, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Poeltl was initially listed as probable by the Raptors, so this downgrade is a worrying sign for fantasy managers. If this downgrade is any indication, the Raptors are seriously considering a maintenance day for their starting center to address lingering back soreness. If he sits out, the Raptors could lean on Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Murray-Boyles.

Collins posted 10 points (4-8 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 1-3 FT), four rebounds, two assists and two steals over 16 minutes during Wednesday's 127-111 win over the Cavaliers.

Collins logged his second double-digit scoring affair Wednesday and has solidified his spot in the rotation. If Chicago continues to give minutes to all three of its centers, it would be hard to justify rostering Collins, as his workload would simply not be enough. However, if either Jalen Smith or Nikola Vucevic were to go down, Collins would be a high-priority add.

Bryant amassed seven points (2-6 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and six rebounds in 18 minutes during Wednesday's 127-111 loss to the Bulls.

Bryant has recorded back-to-back games with at least six boards, performing well in an increased role while Evan Mobley (calf) remains sidelined. In his last six games, Bryant has averaged 7.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 0.5 assists and 0.5 blocks across 13.5 minutes.

Allen closed Wednesday's 127-111 loss to Chicago with 14 points (7-9 FG), six rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal in 28 minutes.

After a lackluster return to action against Charlotte on Sunday, Allen responded with a well-rounded effort Wednesday. Allen is still working his way back from a finger injury that held him out for nine games, but he should hold down Cleveland's center position for the foreseeable future, especially with Evan Mobley (calf) out for a couple of weeks. Allen has played 30 minutes only twice this season and not since Nov. 5.

Orlando assigned Wagner to the G League's Osceola Magic on Wednesday.

This is likely just a rehab assignment for Wagner, as he's yet to return to the floor this season after undergoing surgery in January for a torn ACL.

The Clippers have ruled Niederhauser out for Thursday's game against Oklahoma City due to left knee soreness.

After a productive stretch in the G League with the San Diego Clippers, Niederhauser is back with the parent club but won't be available Thursday while he tends to an injury. His absence won't affect the LA rotation, as most of his appearances this season have come at the tail end of blowouts.

Clarke (knee) recorded six points (2-7 FG, 2-4 FT), three rebounds, one assist and one steal across 17 minutes during Wednesday's 116-110 victory over the Timberwolves.

Though he drew a start in his season debut after completing his recovery from a late September right knee procedure, Clarke was eased into action despite the absences of Ja Morant (ankle), Zach Edey (ankle) and other key rotation players for the Grizzlies. Clarke has had trouble staying on the court ever since being a first-round pick in 2019, so the team will likely be cautious with the 29-year-old big man's workload as he gets his legs back under him. The Grizzlies went with a supersized starting lineup without a true point guard Wednesday, but Clarke could move to the bench Saturday against the Wizards if Morant is cleared to return.

Landale ended Wednesday's 116-110 victory over the Timberwolves with 20 points (8-15 FG, 4-9 3Pt), 10 rebounds, three assists, one block and two steals in 30 minutes off the bench.

The double-double was the second of the season for the veteran center, while the four three-pointers were a season high. He has seen his minutes increase with Zach Edey (ankle) on the shelf, and over the last four games, Landale is averaging 12.8 points, 7.8 boards, 2.3 assists, 1.5 threes and 2.1 stocks in 26.3 minutes from the second unit.