NBA Player News

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.

Gafford (illness) participated in Friday's practice, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.comreports

Gafford missed Dallas' most recent outing due to an illness. However, the 26-year-old big man's return to practice is a good sign of his availability against Utah on Saturday.

Embiid (knee) is out for Saturday's game versus the Pistons, Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com reports.

Embiid's absence streak will extend to four games Saturday due to left knee injury management and personal reasons. Andre Drummond and Guerschon Yabusele should continue to receive increased roles in the star big man's absence. Embiid's next chance to suit up is Tuesday's matchup with Charlotte.

Gibson will come off the bench in Friday's game versus the Knicks.

Moussa Diabate will get the start over Gibson in an injury-ridden frontcourt. The veteran big man started in each of the club's last two outings, during which he averaged 2.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals while shooting 33.3 percent from the field across 13.0 minutes per game.

Davis is probable for Friday's game against the Thunder due to left plantar fasciitis, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.

Davis has been a mainstay in the injury report due to a nagging plantar fasciitis issue, but the star big man has missed just one game this season. Davis is averaging 28.6 points, 11.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.9 blocks and 1.2 steals per game since the beginning of November.

Hayes (ankle) is doubtful for Friday's game against the Thunder, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.

Hayes missed Wednesday's win against the Spurs due to a right ankle contusion, and the doubtful tag suggests his chances of returning to action Friday are slim to none. Even when healthy, Hayes shouldn't be more than an option off the bench, so his upside will be limited regardless of how healthy he is.

Williams (concussion) is doubtful for Friday's game against the Kings.

Williams looks on track to miss his second game in a row after he sustained a concussion during Monday's loss to the Grizzlies. His expected absence Friday should clear the way for Jabari Walker to serve as the primary backup to starting center Deandre Ayton.

Claxton (back) is questionable for Friday's game against the Magic, Evan Barnes of Newsday reports.

Claxton has missed two games in a row and five of the Nets' last seven contests. The questionable tag suggests a decision on his status will be made closer to Friday's 7:30 p.m. ET tipoff. Claxton has been in and out of the starting lineup this season due to a minutes restriction, but given all of Brooklyn's injuries, it wouldn't be surprising to see him as part of the first five Friday if he's given the green light.