NBA Player News

Towns (quadriceps) will play in Sunday's game against the Heat, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Towns was questionable with a right quadriceps issue but will play through it and suit up Sunday. The 29-year-old has opened the season with back-to-back double-doubles and will be joined in the starting frontcourt by Ariel Hukporti, forming a sizable pairing for the Knicks.

Wembanyama tallied 31 points (9-21 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 10-15 FT), 14 rebounds, six blocks, four assists and three steals across 36 minutes in Sunday's 118-107 win over the Nets.

Wembanyama led the Spurs in scoring and grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds en route to his third double-double in as many games. The star center also swatted at least three shots for the third consecutive game, totaling 18 blocks over that span. He's the first player in NBA history to score 100 points and record 18 blocks through the first three games of the regular season. The 21-year-old has been extremely impressive on both ends of the floor so far this season, averaging 33.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, 6.0 blocks, 2.3 assists and 1.7 steals in 32.7 minutes per contest.

Horford (toe) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Grizzlies, Danny Emerman of SFStandard.com reports.

Horford will sit out the first half of the back-to-back Monday, with Warriors head coach Steve Kerr noting the move sets up the veteran to be fresh for Tuesday's matchup against Ivica Zubac and the Clippers. In Horford's absence, Quinten Post and Trayce Jackson-Davis will take hold of center duties.

Hayes (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Kings, Dan Woike of The Athletic reports.

Hayes entered Sunday listed as questionable but will ultimately sit out the first half of the back-to-back with left knee soreness. In his absence, Christian Koloko could see more run as a traditional center, while Jarred Vanderbilt may take on additional minutes in smaller lineups.

Wagner (knee) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the 76ers.

Wagner has yet to make his season debut as he continues recovering from a torn left ACL, and there's still no clear timetable for his return. While Wagner remains sidelined, Goga Bitadze stands to serve as the primary backup option at center.

Gafford (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Raptors.

Gafford, who entered Sunday listed as doubtful while managing a sprained right ankle, will officially miss his third straight game to start the season. His next opportunity to return will come Monday against the Thunder, with Dereck Lively set to continue handling the bulk of the center minutes in Gafford's absence.

Missi (ankle) was a full practice participant Sunday, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.

Missi exited Wednesday's season opener against the Grizzlies with a right ankle injury, which kept him sidelined for Friday's matchup with the Spurs. The big man's return to practice is an encouraging sign that a return could be near, with his next opportunity to play coming Monday against the Celtics.

Valanciunas supplied 12 points (4-10 FG, 4-5 FT), seven rebounds and one assist across 13 minutes during Saturday's 133-111 win over the Suns.

Valanciunas didn't play heavy minutes but was active when on the floor, finishing in double figures and tying for the third-most shot attempts on the team while making his presence felt on the glass. The veteran big man isn't challenging superstar Nikola Jokic for the starting job anytime soon, but Valanciunas has been a steady and productive contributor in his backup role so far this season.

Drummond posted seven points (3-6 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 1-3 FT), 13 rebounds, two assists and two steals in 16 minutes during Saturday's 125-121 victory over the Hornets.

Drummond maximized his minutes, pulling down a game-high 13 rebounds while anchoring the paint. The veteran big man played just three minutes in the 76ers' season opener Wednesday but saw an expanded opportunity Saturday, logging more time than fellow reserve Adem Bona. With Dominick Barlow (elbow) exiting early and Joel Embiid on a minutes restriction to open the year, Drummond could see steady involvement if he continues to produce effectively in the interior.

Vucevic totaled 15 points (5-7 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 4-4 FT), eight rebounds, two assists and one block across 31 minutes during Saturday's 110-98 win over the Magic.

Vucevic had a smaller offensive role Saturday, attempting just seven shots to tie for fifth most on the team, but he maximized his opportunities with efficient shooting, including perfect marks from three-point range and the charity stripe. The veteran center remains one of the league's most dependable producers, having averaged a double-double in seven consecutive seasons entering this year and 11 times across his career overall.