NBA Player News

Ayton (finger) is out for Friday's game against the Rockets.

Ayton continues to deal with a right finger sprain and will miss a fifth straight contest Friday. It remains to be seen if he'll be able to suit up Saturday in the second half of his back-to-back set against the Rockets, but in the meantime, Donovan Clingan will remain as the starting center.

Kessler (hip) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Knicks.

Kessler has missed Utah's last six games with right hip bursitis, and the upgrade to questionable represents a step in the right direction. A decision on the big man's status will be made closer to the 5 p.m. ET tipoff Saturday. If he's out, John Collins should continue to start at center.

Filipowski (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game versus the Knicks.

Filipowski sprained his right ankle in Thursday's loss to the Spurs and won't play for the first time since the regular-season opener. With the rookie sidelined, Brice Sensabaugh and Drew Eubanks are candidates for an uptick in playing time. Filipowski's next chance to feature will come Tuesday against the Spurs.

Wembanyama (knee) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Warriors, Paul Garcia of ProjectSpurs.com reports.

Wembanyama is in danger of missing his fourth straight game due to a right knee contusion. If the 20-year-old big man is ruled out, Zach Collins will likely continue to receive the starting nod with Charles Bassey seeing an uptick in playing time off the bench.

Missi (shoulder) is out for Friday's game versus the Warriors.

Missi has been downgraded from questionable to out Friday due to left shoulder soreness. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Trey Jemison and Daniel Theis are candidates to receive increased playing time in his absence. Missi's next chance to suit up is Monday's matchup with Indiana.

Claxton isn't in the starting five for Friday's game versus Philadelphia, Evan Barnes of Newsday reports.

Claxton will return to action Friday after missing Brooklyn's previous three outings with a back injury. However, the 25-year-old center will be limited to a bench role against Philadelphia.

Bagley (groin) is listed as available for Friday's game versus the Celtics.

Bagley will play through right groin soreness, though he has yet to see the floor for more than 10 minutes in a game this season The 25-year-old has averaged 3.2 points and 2.2 rebounds across only 5.9 minutes per game in nine regular-season appearances.

Queta is in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Wizards.

Queta will get the nod at center with Al Horford (illness) sidelined. In four previous starts this season, Queta is averaging 11.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks across 26.3 minutes per game.

Embiid (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Nets, Tim Bontemps of ESPN.com reports.

Embiid is dealing with a lingering left knee injury and will not suit up two days after aggravating the injury in Wednesday's loss to Memphis. With the superstar ruled out, Andre Drummond and Guerschon Yabusele are candidates for an increased role. Embiid's next chance to feature will come Sunday versus the Clippers.

Claxton (back) is available for Friday's game against the 76ers, Brian Lewis of the New York Post reports.

Claxton was deemed probable to play Friday, and he'll indeed return to action following a three-game absence due to a lower back strain. It's unclear if the big man will handle his regular workload at center in a tough matchup against Joel Embiid and the 76ers. Claxton is averaging 8.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 blocks per game this season.