NBA Player News

Williams (concussion) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Kings, Sean Highkin of Rip City Radio 620 Portland reports.

As expected, Williams will miss a second straight game due to a concussion, and his next chance to play will be against the Mavericks on Sunday. With Williams and Donovan Clingan (knee) sidelined, Jabari Walker will serve as Portland's backup center behind Deandre Ayton.

Nurkic (ankle) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Warriors, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports.

Head coach Mike Budenholzer said after Friday's practice that Nurkic and Bradley Beal (calf) are probable for Saturday's game, though Nurkic is by no means a lock to play. If Nurkic is sidelined, Oso Ighodaro or Mason Plumlee would be the top candidates to enter the Suns' starting lineup.

Horford is not in the Celtics' starting lineup for Friday's game against the Bulls, Justin Turpin of WEEI.com reports.

Horford will come off the bench Friday for the first time this season while Kristaps Porzingis gets the start at center. It's the first time Horford and Porzingis will be available to play together this season, and the former should continue to serve as the Celtics' "sixth starter" when the latter is sidelined. Through 14 regular-season contests, Horford is averaging 10.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists over 27.9 minutes per game.

Filipowski (leg) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Mavericks, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Filipowski will miss a fourth straight game due to a left leg injury, and his next chance to play will be against the Lakers on Sunday. The Jazz will be getting reinforcements in Lauri Markkanen (personal) and John Collins (knee) for Saturday's contest.

Collins (knee) will play against the Mavericks on Saturday, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Collins was sidelined for Wednesday's 122-103 loss to the Nuggets due to a knee injury, but the veteran forward will return for Saturday's game. Collins started in the Jazz's previous eight games prior to Wednesday, and over that span he averaged 20.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.8 steals over 32.5 minutes per game.

Kornet (hamstring) is available for Friday's game against the Bulls, Taylor Snow of the Celtics' official site reports.

Kornet will suit up after a two-game absence due to right hamstring tightness. The big man has missed three of the club's last four games, and in his last five appearances he has averaged 3.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists across 15.6 minutes per game.

Claxton (back) is available for Friday's game versus the Magic, Erik Slater of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Claxton has been upgraded from questionable to available Friday after missing Brooklyn's previous two contests due to a back injury. The 25-year-old big man is averaging 9.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.1 blocks in 26.0 minutes across his last 10 appearances.

Gafford (illness) is not on the injury report ahead of Saturday's game against Utah.

Gafford missed Wednesday's win over the Knicks due to an illness, though he will suit up Saturday barring any unexpected setbacks. Across his last five outings, the big man has averaged 11.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, 1.2 assists and 0.8 steals across 21.8 minutes per game.

Nurkic (ankle) is probable for Saturday's game versus the Warriors, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports.

Despite continuing to deal with a nagging ankle injury, Nurkic is expected to make his fourth straight appearance Saturday. Across his last five outings, Nurkic is averaging 8.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 24.0 minutes.

Coach Taylor Jenkins said Friday that Edey (ankle) will likely return to action at the end of this week or early next week, Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.

Edey will miss his sixth straight contest Friday due to a left ankle injury. However, the rookie big man could suit up as soon as Sunday's game versus the Pacers. Until Edey is able to return, Brandon Clarke should continue to start at center for Memphis.