NBA Player News

Duren was ejected from Friday's game after collecting a flagrant 2 foul for elbowing Amen Thompson in the face.

Duren appeared to pull Thompson's arm as he went to move past him and caught him with his elbow while running to the hoop, so it'll be interesting to see if he faces further disciplinary action from the league. He'll end his evening with six points (3-4 FG), six rebounds, one steal, one block and one turnover in 12 minutes, and if he needs to miss more games, Isaiah Stewart will be the primary beneficiary.

Head coach Doug Christie said Sabonis (hamstring) won't operate under a minutes restriction in Friday's game against Utah, Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee reports.

Sabonis missed the Kings' season-opening loss to Phoenix due to a hamstring injury, though he'll make his season debut without a minutes restriction against the Jazz. The star big man averaged 19.1 points, 13.9 rebounds and 6.0 assists across 34.7 minutes per contest in 70 regular-season games during the 2024-25 campaign.

Hayes (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Timberwolves, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.

Hayes popped up on the injury report early Friday due to left knee soreness. Christian Koloko has been made active for this matchup due to Hayes' absence.

Ware will be in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Grizzlies.

Ware played only 14 minutes off the bench during the team's season opener against the Magic and didn't make much of an impact during that short time on the floor. He'll be joined by Davion Mitchell, Norman Powell, Andrew Wiggins and Bam Adebayo in the first five.

Hukporti won't start in Friday's game against the Celtics, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic reports.

With Miles McBride entering the starting five, Hukporti will retreat to the second unit. The second-year big man got the starting nod in Wednesday's season-opening win over Cleveland, during which he recorded two points (1-2 FG), five rebounds, two assists and one block in 18 minutes.

Towns (quadriceps) will play in Friday's game against the Celtics, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic reports.

Towns will shake off his questionable tag due to a right quadriceps strain and suit up Friday. The star big man was also listed as questionable before playing in Wednesday's win over Cleveland, during which he notched 19 points (5-12 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 8-9 FT), 11 rebounds and two assists in 31 minutes. He'll move over to center with Miles McBride also starting against Boston, pushing Ariel Hukporti to the bench.

Okongwu will be in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Magic.

Okongwu will be in the first five with Kristaps Porzingis (illness) ruled out. Okongwu started 40 regular-season games during the 2024-25 campaign, averaging 14.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 58.1 percent from the field and 36.2 percent from deep.

Head coach Willie Green said Jordan (recently signed) is unlikely to play in Friday's game against the Spurs, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.

Jordan signed a one-year deal with the Pelicans on Friday and isn't expected to suit up against San Antonio. In the likely event the veteran big man joins Yves Missi (ankle), Kevon Looney (knee) and Karlo Matkovic (back) on the sideline, Derik Queen and Hunter Dickinson are expected to see increased minutes at center.

Holmgren (back) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Hawks.

Holmgren is in jeopardy of missing Saturday's contest due to soreness in his lower back. If the 23-year-old joins Jalen Williams (wrist) on the sideline, Aaron Wiggins, Brooks Barnhizer and Ousmane Dieng are candidates for an uptick in playing time. Over two appearances thus far, Holmgren has averaged 21.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.0 steals across 38.5 minutes per contest.

Missi (ankle) won't play in Friday's game against San Antonio.

Missi can be considered day-to-day prior to Monday's game against the Celtics. Derik Queen is set up for a possible spot start at center Friday, with DeAndre Jordan a candidate to back him up. The Pelicans could also use Zion Williamson as a small-ball center at times against the Spurs.