NBA Player News

Plumlee will enter the starting lineup in Sunday's game versus the Timberwolves, Alan Horton of the Timberwolves Radio Network reports.

The Suns will opt for a big lineup with Plumlee starting alongside Jusuf Nurkic in the frontcourt -- Josh Okogie will slide to the bench. Plumlee has carved out a significant role with the Suns this year, during which he has averaged 5.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 0.5 blocks across 17.3 minutes per game in 12 regular-season appearances (one start).

Fernando (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Pacers, Aaron Rose of SI.com reports.

Fernando sustained a right ankle sprain in the second quarter of Saturday's loss to Boston, though he was able to play through the injury. The 26-year-old big man's next chance to suit up will come Thursday against the Timberwolves.

Nurkic (ankle) is available for Sunday's game against the Timberwolves, Amanda Pflugrad of 3TV Phoenix reports.

As expected, Nurkic has been upgraded from probable to available and will suit up for a third consecutive contest following a one-game absence. Over his last two appearances, Nurkic has averaged 3.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals in 25.5 minutes per game.

Carter (foot) is listed as doubtful for Monday's matchup against the Suns.

Carter is not likely to suit up Monday while dealing with left plantar fasciitis and slowly ramping up to playing form. The big man is in jeopardy of missing his eighth consecutive contest, though coach Jamahl Mosley said Friday that Carter has been working on some spot shooting and cardio, according to Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel. If the 25-year-old is ruled out, his next chance to suit up will come Wednesday against the Clippers.

Williams (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Cavaliers.

Williams has yet to make his season debut while dealing with a strained tendon in his left foot that he sustained before the preseason. The big man was expected to return earlier in the regular season, but he's currently without a clear timeline for a return while he remains limited to individual drills. Though his next chance to play will come Tuesday against the Nets, Williams should be considered doubtful to suit up until the club re-evaluates him and provides a new update.

Jokic (personal) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Grizzlies.

Jokic will miss a second straight game due to personal reasons. Dario Saric started in Jokic's absence Friday and played 34 minutes during a loss to the Pelicans. Jokic's next chance to suit up will come Tuesday during a rematch against the Grizzlies.

Collins accumulated 16 points (6-13 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 4-4 FT), eight rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks in 32 minutes during Saturday's 121-117 loss to the Kings.

Collins continued to perform well at the five, but a switch to power forward is looming with Walker Kessler's (hip) return on the horizon. The Jazz have had to speed up Kyle Filipowski's development to lessen the Jazz's size disadvantage, and the rookie will eventually move back to a reserve role to make room for Collins when Kessler returns. A production fluctuation from Collins is a distinct possibility, but the scenario will become clearer next week.

Boucher logged 15 points (5-6 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 3-3 FT) and four rebounds in 20 minutes during Saturday's 126-123 overtime loss to the Celtics.

Boucher ended Saturday's game as the Raptors' third-leading scorer behind Jakob Poeltl (35) and RJ Barrett (25). Boucher has reached double-digit points in seven of his last 10 outings, and over that span, he has averaged 11.5 points and 4.5 rebounds over 18.6 minutes per game.

Horford produced 18 points (6-11 FG, 5-10 3Pt, 1-1 FT), four rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal across 32 minutes during Saturday's 126-123 overtime win over Toronto.

Horford returned to the starting lineup Saturday after sitting Wednesday against the Nets due to rest and a left big toe sprain. The veteran big man isn't a focal point in the Celtics' offense, but with the Raptors' defense honed in on Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Horford saw plenty of open looks from beyond the arc and tied a season high with five three-pointers. Horford is averaging 9.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.0 steals over 27.0 minutes per game.

Lively will remain in the starting role "for the next couple of games," head coach Jason Kidd told media, including Landon Thomas of Mavs Fans For Life, in his post-game press conference following Saturday's win over the Spurs. "We'll see how D Live handles these next couple of games as a starter, and then we'll figure out who will start after that. But, D Live has been great."

Lively got the start in Saturday's win over the Spurs and posted seven points, four rebounds, two assists and four blocks across 20 minutes. Even though Daniel Gafford outplayed him with a 22-point, seven-rebound, three-block effort in only 18 minutes, it seems Lively will stay with the first unit for now. There's no timetable for Kidd to make a definitive decision on who will be the starting center going forward -- assuming he'll make one at some point.