NBA Player News

Poeltl closed with 16 points (7-12 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-3 FT), four rebounds, two assists, one block and two steals over 27 minutes during Thursday's 114-104 loss to Miami.

Poeltl was scratched from the starting lineup due to back spasms only a few minutes before tipoff, but the big man entered the game in the first quarter and didn't look hindered by the injury. Aside from posting a solid stat line, Poeltl also logged 27 minutes compared to Bruno Fernando's two-minute cameo -- and Fernando was the one who replaced him in the starting unit. It seemed like an emergency measure, though, and Poeltl's availability going forward isn't expected to be affected.

Williams (foot) is not on the injury report for Friday's game against the Bulls.

Williams didn't play last Sunday against the Pacers due to left foot injury management, but the big man benefited from four days of rest. It's unclear if he'll start or not, but his availability is a positive sign. The big man is averaging 7.3 points and 4.3 rebounds across 10.3 minutes per game in his first three outings this season.

Porzingis logged 19 points (8-18 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 1-2 FT), eight rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal over 30 minutes during Thursday's 123-99 win over Detroit.

It wasn't the most efficient night from downtown for Porzingis, but he filled the box score and nearly secured a double-double for a Celtics team that was without superstar Jayson Tatum (knee) on Thursday. In seven appearances with Tatum sidelined dating back to last season, Porzingis is now averaging 19.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.1 steals, 3.0 blocks and 2.4 three-pointers per game If Tatum remains unavailable for Sunday's contest against a Wizards club giving up the most points per game (123.8) in the league this year, Porzingis will likely experience an uptick in usage and handle a more pronounced role on offense for Boston once again.

Williams (concussion) is questionable for Friday's game against the Spurs.

Williams was a full participant in practice Thursday, and as expected, he's being considered a game-time decision ahead of Friday's game. He'll likely need to prove his health during morning shootaround and warmups before Portland feels comfortable enough to clear him for game action.

Ayton (illness) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Spurs.

Ayton is in jeopardy of missing his first matchup since Nov. 25 due to an illness. In his last six outings, the big man has averaged 16.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.3 blocks across 32.0 minutes per game. The Trail Blazers could be shorthanded in the frontcourt Friday with Ayton, Donovan Clingan (knee), Robert Williams (concussion) and Duop Reath (back) all landing on the injury report.

Reath (back) is doubtful for Friday's game against the Spurs.

Reath was listed as doubtful for Sunday's matchup against the Lakers before being downgraded to out, so it looks as though he'll miss his second straight game. The team should have another update on his availability closer to tipoff.

Poeltl (back) has entered Thursday's game against the Heat, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Poeltl was a late scratch from the starting lineup due to back spasms, but he was able to check in off the bench only a few minutes into the first quarter. The team will likely monitor the big man closely as the game unfolds to determine his workload Thursday evening.

Collins (back) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Trail Blazers, Paul Garcia of ProjectSpurs.com reports.

Collins sustained a bilateral lower back contusion after only three minutes of play during Sunday's win over the Pelicans. With the big man sidelined, Charles Bassey will likely see an uptick in playing time behind Victor Wembanyama.

Poeltl is not starting Thursday against the Heat due to back spasms, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Poeltl apparently felt something during warmups and has been downgraded to doubtful, so his chances of seeing the court Thursday have reduced significantly. This means Bruno Fernando will start at center, while Chris Boucher could also see a role off the bench. Poeltl isn't likely to step on the hardwood.

Fernando will start over Jakob Poeltl (back spasms) in Thursday's game against the Heat, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Poeltl was a late scratch and has been downgraded to doubtful, meaning his chances of seeing the floor Thursday are very slim. Fernando should see plenty of minutes at center, with Chris Boucher also expected to see an expanded role off the bench.