NBA Player News

Gibson (illness) is available for Friday's game versus the Kings.

Gibson has been upgraded from probable to available Friday despite dealing with an illness. Due to Mark Williams (back) being ruled out against Sacramento, Gibson could receive increased playing time.

Williams (back) is out for Friday's game versus the Kings.

Williams has been downgraded from probable all the way to out Friday due to muscle spasms in his back. Jusuf Nurkic, Moussa Diabate and Taj Gibson are all candidates to receive increased playing time in his absence. Williams' next chance to suit up is Sunday's matchup with Chicago.

Williams (back) is now listed as questionable for Friday's game versus the Kings.

Williams has been downgraded from probable to questionable Friday due to muscle spasms in his back. If Williams is further downgraded to out, Jusuf Nurkic and Moussa Diabate will likely receive increased playing time.

Robinson (ankle) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Hawks.

Robinson rested Wednesday on the second night of a back-to-back set, as the Knicks have not yet cleared him to play on consecutive days since returning from left ankle surgery. The Knicks are heading into another back-to-back set this weekend, so it wouldn't be surprising if Robinson remained out Saturday before returning to action Sunday versus the Suns.

Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau wouldn't commit Friday to Hukporti (knee) returning to action during the playoffs, noting that the rookie center is "a ways away" from being ready to play, Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News reports.

Hukporti underwent surgery Feb. 28 to address a torn meniscus and has yet to resume basketball activities. While Thibodeau didn't entirely rule Hukporti out from returning for the playoffs, the Knicks may need to make a deep run for the rookie to have a realistic chance at playing again. Hukporti will finish the regular season with averages of 1.9 points, 2.0 rebounds and 0.6 blocks in 8.7 minutes per contest over 25 appearances.

Sabonis is questionable for Friday's game versus Charlotte with right ankle soreness.

Sabonis was a very late addition to the injury report, and that's typically a bad sign for fantasy managers. If Sabonis is held out for maintenance on his right ankle, the Kings could turn to Jonas Valanciunas against the Hornets.

Reath is questionable for Friday's game against the Bulls with right knee soreness.

Reath picked up this issue Thursday against the Raptors and left the game for good after six minutes. If he's unable to go Friday, Jabari Walker could pick up a handful of minutes.

Ayton (calf) will not play Friday against the Bulls.

No surprise here, as Ayton's timetable has yet to be updated -- this will be his 24th game in a row on the shelf. He was expected to be re-evaluated two weeks ago, but he remains out indefinitely as the team hasn't released an update since his initial diagnosis.

Bitadze amassed no counting stats across three minutes during Thursday's 109-97 win over the Wizards.

Bitadze's three minutes played against Washington were his fewest of the season. The 25-year-old big man has received inconsistent playing time as of late, averaging 13.1 minutes per contest across his previous 10 appearances. Unless Bitadze starts receiving closer to 20 minutes per outing, it will be hard to count on him for consistent fantasy production.

Claxton had 18 points (9-10 FG), six rebounds, five assists and two steals across 24 minutes during Thursday's 105-90 loss to the Timberwolves.

This was Claxton's fourth game of the season with at least five assists. The center continues to trend up, and over his last six appearances, he's produced 13.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 blocks on 63.2 percent shooting from the field.