NBA Player News
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Chris Boucher C | BOS
Raptors' Chris Boucher: Expected to play Friday
Boucher is listed as probable for Friday's game versus the Jazz due to a wisdom tooth extraction, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.
Boucher hasn't appeared in Toronto's last three contests but is expected to suit up Friday. With Jakob Poeltl (rest) and Jonathan Mogbo (nose) out, Boucher could receive increased playing time against Utah.
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Jakob Poeltl C | TOR
Raptors' Jakob Poeltl: Ruled out for Friday
Poeltl (rest) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Jazz, JJosh Lewenberg of TSN.ca reports.
Poeltl will rest for the first game of a back-to-back for the Raptors. The veteran big man will likely return to the floor Saturday against the Wizards. In the meantime, Toronto will likely turn to Orlando Robinson to shoulder the load in the paint against Utah.
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Rudy Gobert C | MIN
Timberwolves' Rudy Gobert: Iffy against Miami
Gobert (back) is listed as questionable for Friday's game versus the Heat.
Gobert is in danger of missing his ninth straight contest Friday due to lower back injury maintenance. If Gobert is downgraded to out yet again, Naz Reid should continue to start at center.
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Kel'el Ware C | MIA
Heat's Kel'el Ware: Ruled out for Friday
Ware (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Timberwolves.
Ware will miss a third straight game Friday for the Heat, as he continues to deal with a sprained left knee. Miami will likely continue to lean on Kevin Love, Kyle Anderson, Pelle Larsson and Haywood Highsmith in the frontcourt.
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Nikola Vucevic C | BOS
Bulls' Nikola Vucevic: Won't play Thursday
Vucevic (calf) will not play Thursday against the Magic.
Vucevic, previously listed as doubtful, will sit out his sixth straight game. Vucevic said he was hopeful to return during this two-game road trip, so a return against the Heat on Saturday could be on the table.
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Isaiah Hartenstein C | OKC
Thunder's Isaiah Hartenstein: Solid two-way play Wednesday
Hartenstein closed Wednesday's 120-103 victory over Memphis with 10 points (5-9 FG), 15 rebounds, two assists, one block and three steals in 28 minutes.
Hartenstein posted a double-double for the third time across his last four appearances, and he's been a reliable presence down low for the Thunder. Even though he's not tasked with carrying the team offensively, he's been delivering solid value with his contributions. Over his last 10 appearances (nine starts), the big man is averaging 9.6 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and a combined 1.8 steals-plus-blocks across 25.7 minutes, so his two-way play has been key for the Thunder.
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Alex Sarr C | WAS
Wizards' Alex Sarr: Puts up 21 points
Sarr closed Wednesday's 125-122 victory over Utah with 21 points (8-12 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 3-4 FT), five rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal over 29 minutes.
Sarr reached the 20-point mark for the first time since Feb. 21, when he notched 22 points and seven boards in a loss to the Bucks. The rookie Frenchman has been struggling with injuries lately, and he's been limited to just five appearances since the beginning of November. The lack of availability limits his upside a bit.
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Kyle Filipowski PF | UTA
Jazz's Kyle Filipowski: Solid double-double
Filipowski recorded 23 points (10-17 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 2-3 FT), 13 rebounds and one block over 29 minutes during Wednesday's 125-122 loss to the Wizards.
Filipowski has started in three of the Jazz's eight games since the end of the All-Star break, and the former Duke standout has been playing at a high level of late. During those eight contests, he's scored in double digits six times and has notched four double-doubles, averaging 15.0 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists per contest.
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Al Horford C | GS
Celtics' Al Horford: Sitting out Thursday
Horford is out for Thursday's game versus the 76ers due to a left big toe sprain, Justin Turpin of WEEI.com reports.
Horford will continue to sit out one leg of Boston's back-to-backs Thursday due to his toe injury. With Kristaps Porzingis (knee) also out, Neemias Queta and Luke Kornet are set to receive the bulk of the team's center minutes against Philadelphia. Horford's next chance to suit up is Saturday's matchup with the Lakers.
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Kristaps Porzingis C | GS
Celtics' Kristaps Porzingis: Another absence coming
Porzingis (illness) is out for Thursday's game versus the 76ers, Justin Turpin of WEEI.com reports.
Porzingis will miss his fourth straight contest Thursday due to an illness. With Al Horford (toe) also out, Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta should receive the majority of Boston's center minutes against Philadelphia. Porzingis' next chance to suit up is Saturday's matchup with the Lakers.