NBA Player News

Ayton (calf) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Denver.

Ayton has been sidelined since Feb. 12 due to the left calf strain, and there's no clear timetable for his return. The big man was expected to be re-evaluated after four weeks, though the club has not provided any new information on his status. He can be considered week-to-week until the club offers a new update.

Clarke (knee) won't play in Friday's game against the Clippers.

Clarke picked up a right knee injury during Wednesday's game against the Blazers, and the issue will force him to miss Friday's matchup. Zach Edey and Jay Huff will likely serve as the Grizzlies' primary centers while Clarke sits out.

Jokic (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Trail Blazers.

Jokic will miss a third straight game for the Nuggets while dealing with an ankle issue. He was also listed with an elbow injury during his first two absences, but that issue isn't mentioned in this version of the injury report. Jokic's next chance to suit up will come Sunday in Houston, though the team hasn't released an official return timeline. Aaron Gordon (calf/ankle) will likely continue to shoulder the load in the frontcourt, as he is listed as probable for Friday in Portland.

Williams underwent an arthroscopic procedure Thursday to address inflammation in his left knee and will miss 4-6 weeks.

While Williams is expected to make a full recovery, this procedure may effectively end his season since the Trail Blazers only have 12 games left and will likely miss the postseason. Health has been a recurring issue for the veteran big man, as he has already missed 50 games this season and has a notorious injury history. Still, the hope is that this procedure will allow him to tend to the pains in his knee moving forward.

Tillman (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Jazz, Justin Turpin of WEEI.com reports.

Tillman will miss a seventh straight game for Boston while dealing with a knee issue. The next opportunity for the 25-year-old big man to get back on the floor for the defending NBA champions will be Sunday against the Trail Blazers.

Hartenstein (back) is off the injury report for Friday's game against Charlotte.

Hartenstein will return to game action after missing Wednesday's win over Philadelphia due to a back injury. Over his last five outings (four starts), the big man has averaged 15.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists across 29.0 minutes per contest.

Bassey (knee) is out for Friday's game versus the 76ers.

Bassey hasn't played since Feb. 23 due to a left knee injury. Until San Antonio provides a timetable for his return, Bassey can be considered week-to-week.

Drummond (toe) is out for Friday's game versus the Spurs.

Drummond will miss his fifth straight contest Friday due to a left toe sprain. The veteran big man's next chance to suit up is Sunday's matchup with Atlanta.

Jemison (illness) isn't on the injury report for Thursday's game versus the Bucks, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.

Jemison will return to action Thursday after missing the Lakers' previous four contests due to an illness. The second-year center is averaging 3.9 points and 2.6 rebounds in 13.0 minutes across his previous 10 appearances.

Missi finished with 13 points (6-12 FG, 1-4 FT), seven rebounds, two assists and three blocks over 26 minutes during Wednesday's 119-115 victory over Minnesota.

Zion Williamson led the way for the Pelicans in this contest, but there's no question Missi made his presence felt as well, which was no easy feat considering he had to deal with the threat of Rudy Gobert during the entire contest. Missi ended just three boards shy of recording what would've been his fourth double-double since the All-Star break, and he's also scored at a solid rate with double-digit points in five of his last six contests.