NBA Player News

The Celtics intend to sign Bassey (personal) to a 10-day contract, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

Bassey didn't play Friday when the Santa Cruz Warriors lost to the Cleveland Charge in the G League, and now he's expected to join Boston on a 10-day deal. The big man will add some much-needed frontcourt depth behind Neemias Queta and Luka Garza while Nikola Vucevic (finger) is out.

Gafford (illness) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Cavaliers.

Gafford didn't play Friday against the Cavaliers due to rest, and the doubtful tag suggests the big man isn't expected to be available Sunday as well. Gafford has started every game he's been available for since Jan. 28, averaging 11.2 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists per contest during that span. If he's out, look for Marvin Bagley to remain in the starting lineup.

Towns (knees) isn't listed on the injury report for Sunday's game against the Warriors.

Towns was held out of Friday's win over Indiana due to bilateral knee soreness, though he's set to return to action Sunday. With the star big man returning to the lineup, Mitchell Robinson will likely move back to the second unit. Through seven March appearances, Towns has averaged 21.1 points, 13.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 31.0 minutes per contest.

Hayes (back) is available for Saturday's game against the Nuggets, Ryan Ward of SI.com reports.

Hayes will return to the lineup Saturday after a two-game absence due to back soreness. He is expected to resume his usual backup center duties behind Deandre Ayton, which will likely push Drew Timme out of the rotation.

Kornet is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game versus the Hornets.

Victor Wembanyama is back in the first unit after missing Thursday's loss to Denver with right ankle soreness. Kornet has averaged 4.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 15.1 minutes per tilt across his last eight games off the bench, and he'll be battling for the backup center minutes with Mason Plumlee on Saturday.

Wembanyama (ankle) is available for Saturday's game against the Hornets, Paul Garcia of ProjectSpurs.com reports.

Wembanyama has officially been cleared to play this afternoon after missing Thursday's loss to Denver with right ankle soreness. While Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson remained optimistic Wembanyama would be cleared to play, the star center's status was technically a game-time decision until he completed his pregame routine. Before the one-game absence, Wembanyama had been on an absolute tear, averaging 33.3 points per game over his last four outings, which is well above his season average of 24.2 points.

Sims is in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Hawks.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) is sitting out Saturday, clearing the way at power forward for Sims to draw his 10th start of the season. Sims has averaged 5.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 25.3 minutes per tilt across nine games as a starter this year, shooting a ridiculous 85.7 percent from the floor during that stretch.

The Warriors are expected to sign Yurtseven to a 10-day contract, per NBA reporter Marc Stein.

Golden State is turning to Yurtseven to provide immediate frontcourt reinforcement as the team navigates a brutal injury crisis. The Warriors' depth was decimated during Friday's loss to Minnesota, when Al Horford (calf) and Quinten Post (ankle) both exited early, joining Draymond Green (back) on the sidelines. Kristaps Porzingis (illness), Green and Horford have all been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Knicks, while Post is listed as questionable.

Kalkbrenner (illness) is listed as available for Saturday's game against the Spurs.

The rookie center will return after a one-game absence and should reclaim his reserve role behind Moussa Diabate, likely pushing Xavier Tillman out of the rotation. Over his last eight appearances, Kalkbrenner has provided steady rim protection and efficiency, averaging 5.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 16.1 minutes per contest during that span.

Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson said that he's optimistic that Wembanyama (ankle) will play against the Hornets on Saturday, Jared Weiss of The Athletic reports.

Wembanyama was unable to play against the Nuggets on Thursday due to a right ankle injury. The third-year phenom can be considered a game-time decision for Saturday's contest, and if he can't play, he'll likely be available for Monday's game against the Clippers. If Wembanyama is ruled out, then Luke Kornet would likely remain in the Spurs' starting lineup.