NBA Player News

Poeltl (rest) will not play Friday against the Jazz, Esfandiar Baraheni of The Athletic reports.

Poeltl will now sit out for the third time over Toronto's past five games due to rest and log his 16th absence overall this season. With Jonathan Mogbo (nose) also ruled out, Toronto will rely heavily on Orlando Robinson for Friday's matchup with Utah.

Head coach Billy Donovan said Vucevic has been cleared to play 28-to-30 minutes against the Nets on Thursday, Cody Westerlund of 670TheScore.com reports.

Vucevic returned Monday from a seven-game absence due to a calf injury, and he finished with 11 points, 11 rebounds and one assist over 24 minutes in a 121-103 win over the Pacers. He came off the bench in that contest, and it's not yet known whether he'll rejoin the Bulls' starting five for Thursday's bout.

Capela (personal) is questionable to play Friday against the Clippers, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports.

Capela also missed Wednesday's game due to personal reasons, and is in danger of missing Friday's as well. Capela has been a valuable member of the bench ever since being relegated to the second unit Jan. 20, averaging 7.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.9 blocks and 0.6 steals over 17.4 minutes. However, if he can't go, expect Dominick Barlow to see extended run backing up Onyeka Okongwu.

Horford (toe) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Heat, Taylor Snow of the Celtics' official site reports.

Horford has been on the Celtics' injury report for much of the season due to a left big toe sprain. He's been held out of three games since the All-Star break, and with the Celtics playing a back-to-back set this weekend, Horford could be held out of either Friday's game or Saturday's contest against the Nets. If both Horford and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) were to be sidelined, Luke Kornet would likely be inserted into the starting lineup while Neemias Queta serves as the backup center.

Porzingis (illness) is questionable for Friday's contest against Miami, Taylor Snow of the Celtics' official site reports.

Porzingis is in danger of missing his eighth consecutive game due to illness, which would also be his 35th absence overall this season, but him remaining questionable instead of being ruled out immediately is an encouraging sign that he may return soon. However, if Porzingis can't go Friday, expect Al Horford, who is probable to play with a toe injury, to remain in the starting lineup, while Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta fill in the remaining minutes as the team's big men.

Drummond is listed as questionable for Friday's game versus the Pacers due to a left toe sprain.

Drummond is in danger of missing Friday's contest due to a nagging toe injury. If Drummond is ultimately downgraded to out, Guerschon Yabusele will likely receive increased playing time in his absence.

Kessler ended Wednesday's 122-115 loss to Memphis with nine points (4-5 FG, 1-2 FT), 14 rebounds, five assists, six blocks and two steals across 29 minutes.

Kessler has been one of the NBA's premier rim protectors this season, as his 2.5 blocks per contest only rank behind Chet Holmgren's 2.7 and Victor Wembanyama's 3.8. Kessler's 12.5 rebounds per game also ranks fifth in the entire league. The 23-year-old big man continues to display impressive efficiency, as he is shooting 72.5 percent from the field in 2024-25.

Zubac finished Wednesday's 119-104 win over the Heat with 26 points (12-16 FG, 2-3 FT), 14 rebounds and one assist in 38 minutes.

Zubac's team-high 14 rebounds helped him post his 10th straight double-double. Over those 10 outings, the 27-year-old big man is averaging 20.2 points, 12.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.3 blocks in 36.9 minutes. Zubac has also displayed impressive efficiency over that span, converting 65.5 percent of his 14.2 field-goal attempts per contest.

Missi (ankle) is out for Thursday's game versus the Magic.

Missi has been downgraded from questionable to out Thursday due to a left ankle sprain. Karlo Matkovic and Mo Bamba are candidates to receive increased playing time in his absence. Missi's next chance to suit up is Saturday's matchup with San Antonio.

Bradley signed a second 10-day contract with the Pacers on Thursday.

During his initial 10-day stint, Bradley logged 11 minutes across four appearances and tallied six points, four rebounds, one assist and one block. He'll continue to provide depth in the Indiana frontcourt for the next week and a half, but he's unlikely to be part of the rotation in a given game unless one of Myles Turner or Thomas Bryant is sitting out.