NBA Player News

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.

Sabonis (hamstring) is available for Friday's game against the Jazz, Brenden Nunes of KHTK Sactown Sports 1140 reports.

After participating in the morning shootaround, Sabonis has been upgraded to available for his season debut Friday. There's no word about a potential minutes restriction, but it's possible the star big man could have his workload monitored after nearly a week on the shelf with a hamstring strain. Last regular season, Sabonis averaged 19.1 points, 13.9 rebounds and 6.0 assists per contest in 70 games.

Porzingis is out for Friday's game against the Magic due to flu-like symptoms, Kevin Chouinard of the Hawks' official site reports.

Friday will mark the star big man's first absence of the season. Porzingis has a short turnaround if he wants to suit up for Saturday's tilt against the Thunder. In his absence against Orlando, Onyeka Okongwu should start at center and experience a considerable bump in fantasy value.

Gafford (ankle) is out for Friday's game against the Wizards.

After sitting out the morning shootaround, Gafford has been ruled out for a second straight game to open the season. The big man's next chance to play comes Sunday against the Raptors. With Gafford sidelined, Dereck Lively is locked in as the Mavericks' top center in a soft matchup against Washington.

Sabonis (hamstring) participated in Friday's morning shootaround, Sean Cunningham of Fox 40 Sacramento reports.

The star big man's presence at shootaround bodes well for his chances of being available for Friday's game against the Jazz. Additionally, Sabonis is tracking toward suiting up, barring any setbacks during pregame warmups. If he's ultimately unable to play, Drew Eubanks would likely get the spot start down low.

Hayes has been downgraded to questionable for Friday's game against the Timberwolves due to left knee soreness, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reports.

Hayes had four points (2-3 FG), six rebounds and one assist in 14 minutes during Tuesday's 119-109 loss to the Warriors, operating as Deandre Ayton's backup center. If Hayes is unable to suit up Friday, it's possible the Lakers utilize a smaller lineup with someone like Jarred Vanderbilt benefiting.

Wiseman didn't play during Thursday's 141-135 double-overtime loss to Oklahoma City due to a coach's decision.

Isaiah Jackson started the regular-season opener at center and played only eight minutes. Tony Bradley played 10 minutes off the bench at center, while Jay Huff saw 12. Head coach Rick Carlisle instead elected to roll with a ton of small-ball lineups, featuring Obi Toppin and Jarace Walker at the five. Both Toppin and Walker excelled in those roles, but it may have been a matchup-based decision.

Bradley produced two points (1-1 FG, 0-1 FT) and one block in 10 minutes during Thursday's 141-135 double-overtime loss to the Thunder.

Isaiah Jackson drew the start at center, but head coach Rick Carlisle quickly adjusted to smaller lineups. Jackson finished with only eight minutes, while Obi Toppin (40) and Jarace Walker (39) saw a ton of playing time as small-ball fives. Bradley was the next center up behind Jackson, with James Wiseman notably not part of the Opening Night rotation.

Gafford (ankle) did not participate in shootaround Friday, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

Gafford was walking around the practice in street clothes and tennis shoes, and that doesn't bode well for his status against the Wizards. He's listed as questionable on the injury report, which suggests that he's day-to-day, but it looks like the Mavericks will exercise caution once again.

Jordan signed a one-year, $3.6 million contract with the Pelicans on Friday, ESPN's Shams Charania reports.

The Pelicans have had some tough injury luck in the frontcourt, so Jordan is being brought in to bolster the team's rebounding and interior defense. Yves Missi (ankle) and Karlo Matkovic (back) are both questionable to play Friday against the Spurs, while Kevon Looney (knee) is sidelined. That means Jordan could be thrown into action right away.