NBA Player News

Porzingis exited to the locker room during the second quarter of Friday's game against the Pistons with an apparent lower-back issue, Anthony Slater of ESPN.com reports.

Porzingis was grabbing at his lower back on the Warriors' bench before retreating gingerly to the locker room, and we should get another update on exactly what he's dealing with soon. If Porzingis needs to miss time, Omer Yurtseven will have the chance for some extended minutes.

Duren (ankle) is available for Friday's game against the Warriors.

Duren will shed his questionable tag due to right ankle soreness and suit up in the second leg of this back-to-back set. The star big man has recorded a double-double in five consecutive contests, averaging 24.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, 0.8 assists and 0.8 blocks in 27.2 minutes per game over that stretch.

Embiid (oblique) is out for Saturday's game in Utah.

Embiid was listed as doubtful for Thursday's game before getting ruled out, but now the 76ers have gone back to listing him as out a full day in advance of tipoff. He remains without an official timetable, so he's a cut candidate for those currently battling through the fantasy playoffs. Andre Drummond and Adem Bona will likely continue to hold down the fort at the center spot in Embiid's absence.

Reid (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's game versus the Trail Blazers.

This will be Reid's second straight game on the sidelines, and for now, he should be considered questionable for Sunday's game in Boston. Joan Beringer and Kyle Anderson could see a bump in minutes with Reid unavailable.

Towns (personal) will play in Friday's game against the Nets, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic reports.

Towns was a late addition to the injury report Friday for personal reasons, though he'll shed his questionable tag and suit up. The star big man has racked up nine double-doubles in his last 10 appearances, averaging 20.4 points, 12.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 30.9 minutes per game during that stretch.

Carlson (back) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against Washington.

Carlson will miss an 11th consecutive contest due to a lower-back strain, and he remains without a clear timetable for a return. He can be considered doubtful for Monday's game against the 76ers until Oklahoma City provides an update on his status.

Hartenstein (calf) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Saturday's game against the Wizards.

Hartenstein is set to return from a rest day, which should result in Aaron Wiggins heading back to the second unit. Hartenstein is averaging 9.7 points, 9.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game this season.

Carter (ribs) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Lakers.

Carter remains day-to-day after missing Thursday's game against the Hornets. If Orlando's starting center misses another contest, the Magic will likely lean on Goga Bitadze and Moritz Wagner.

Kalkbrenner supplied 13 points (5-5 FG, 3-3 FT) and five rebounds in 24 minutes during Thursday's 130-111 victory over the Magic.

Kalkbrenner was perfect from both the field and the charity stripe, bringing his season field goal percentage to an impressive 74.6 percent. The rookie center saw 24 minutes of action, marking his highest playing time in a single game since he moved into the starting lineup for an injured Moussa Diabate back on Feb. 20. Kalkbrenner continues to provide steady interior depth for Charlotte, and over his last eight appearances, he is averaging 7.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per contest.

Cardwell racked up nine points (4-8 FG, 1-2 FT), 13 rebounds, three assists and one steal in 21 minutes during Thursday's 139-118 loss to the 76ers.

The rookie big man is still getting his legs back under him from a minutes perspective following a recent 11-game absence due to a left ankle sprain. Cardwell has averaged 8.5 rebounds, 4.5 points and 1.8 assists in 17.0 minutes per tilt in his last four outings, shooting 50.0 percent from the field during this span.