NBA Player News

Horford (toe) is out for Saturday's game against the Nets.

As expected, Horford will sit out the second leg of this back-to-back set. The veteran big man should be available for the rematch against Brooklyn on Tuesday. With Horford out and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) available on a minutes restriction, Neemias Queta and Luke Kornet should see more minutes off the bench.

Porzingis (illness) is available for Saturday's game versus the Nets but will operate on a minutes restriction, Jay King of The Athletic reports.

Porzingis missed Boston's last eight games due to a non-COVID-related illness, but he'll be able to take the court Saturday, albeit with a restriction in place. The Celtics will be without Al Horford (toe), and with Porzingis likely to be held under 30 minutes, both Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta could be headed for extended playing time in the frontcourt.

Jones (quadriceps) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game versus the 76ers.

Jones is in danger of missing his seventh straight contest Sunday due to a left quadriceps strain. If Jones is ultimately downgraded to out, Kessler Edwards should continue to receive increased playing time.

Kessler (coach's decision) went unused off the bench in Friday's 126-118 loss to the Raptors.

Though the Jazz made Kessler active for the contest, the third-year center unexpectedly ceded his spot in the top unit to Kyle Filipowski after starting in each of his first 50 appearances of the season. Utah ended up choosing to hold Kessler out for the game, and head coach Will Hardy also limited playing time for other key regulars such as Lauri Markkanen (19 minutes) and Collin Sexton (20 minutes). At this point in the season, the 15-52 Jazz have shown no hesitation about putting non-competitive lineups on the floor as they look to improve their odds in the draft lottery, so Kessler could be subject to more absences over the next month even though he's ostensibly healthy.

Bassey (knee) won't play in Saturday's game versus the Pelicans.

Bassey will be sidelined for an 11th consecutive game while he recovers from an acute-on-chronic bone bruise in his left knee. The Spurs haven't offered up a concrete timeline for Bassey's return, so the 24-year-old center could be at risk of missing the entirety of the team's upcoming four-game week.

Castleton started and finished with 13 points (5-5 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), seven rebounds and two assists across 24 minutes in Friday's 126-118 win over the Jazz.

After starting at power forward in Wednesday's win over the 76ers in place of Scottie Barnes, Castleton remained on the top unit as the Raptors' center due to Jakob Poeltl (rest) sitting out. Poeltl could be back in action for the Raptors' next game Sunday in Portland, but with Toronto likely to hold out multiple rotation players for rest purposes or minor injuries in nearly every game for the rest of the season, Castleton could have an opportunity to retain steady minutes. His 10-day contract with the Raptors will expire Saturday, but expect Castleton to be re-signed ahead of Sunday's contest. Castleton is averaging 7.0 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.0 blocks in 28.0 minutes per contest while shooting 55.6 percent from the field over his first five appearances with Toronto.

Jokic (elbow/ankle) is listed as probable for Saturday's game versus the Wizards.

Jokic continues to deal with a left elbow contusion and left ankle impingement but is expected to make his 28th straight appearance Saturday. If the superstar center is upgraded to available, there is no indication he will operate on a minutes restriction.

Horford (toe) is doubtful for Saturday's game versus the Nets, Justin Turpin of WEEI.com reports.

Horford has consistently sat out one leg of Boston's back-to-backs this season, so he will likely miss Saturday's outing due to a left big toe sprain. Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta could receive increased playing time as backup centers behind Kristaps Porzingis (illness).

Porzingis (illness) is probable for Saturday's game versus the Nets, Justin Turpin of WEEI.com reports.

Porzingis is expected to return to action Saturday after missing Boston's previous eight contests due to an illness. With Al Horford (toe) deemed doubtful, Porzingis should reclaim his starting center spot if he's upgraded to available.

Missi (ankle) won't play in Saturday's game versus the Spurs.

Missi will miss his second straight contest Saturday after being downgraded from questionable to out due to a sprained left ankle. Karlo Matkovic will likely continue to start in his absence. Missi's next chance to suit up is Monday's matchup with Detroit.