NBA Player News

Missi (back) has returned for the second half of Friday's game against Memphis, Jim Eichenhofer of the Pelicans' official site reports.

Missi left in the second quarter of Friday's game due to a back injury, but he was back on the floor working out with trainers before the start of the second half, per Will Guillory of The Athletic. Missi appears to be past the issue and is on the floor for the start of the second half.

Wembanyama (face) went to the locker room in the third quarter of Friday's game against the Nets, Jeff Garcia of KENS 5 San Antonio reports.

Wembanyama got hit under his chin by Jalen Wilson on a rebound attempt midway through the third quarter, which led to the former leaving for the locker room. Charles Bassey and Zach Collins are in line to see more playing time for as long as Wembanyama is sidelined.

Missi went to the locker room in the second quarter of Friday's game against the Grizzlies due to a back injury, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.

Missi was checked on by trainers on the bench before leaving for the locker room. Daniel Theis and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl should see additional playing time for as long as Missi is sidelined during Friday's contest.

Gafford is in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Suns, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

The Mavericks will deal with the absence of two regular starters, Luka Doncic (calf) and Dereck Lively (hip), meaning Gafford will step into the starting unit at center. Gafford is averaging 12.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game when deployed in a starting role this season.

Lively (hip) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Suns, Mark Followill of Bally Sports Southwest reports.

Lively is working through a left hip contusion, which is serious enough for him to be sidelined for Friday's Western Conference clash. Daniel Gafford will likely slide into the starting lineup due to Lively's injury, while Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell should see increased playing time off the Mavericks' bench. Lively's next opportunity to play will be Saturday against Portland.

Sabonis (illness) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Lakers.

Sabonis was absent from practice Friday and missed Thursday's loss to the Pistons, but the questionable tag leaves the door for him to return after a one-game absence. If he's unable to suit up, however, either Alex Len or Trey Lyles could get the start at center.

Collins (hip) is questionable to face the 76ers on Saturday.

Collins has missed the Jazz's last two games due to a left hip contusion. The questionable tag suggests a decision on his status will be made Saturday closer to the 9:30 p.m. tipoff. Micah Potter could replace him in the frontcourt if he's unable to go, though Utah decided to play small and inserted Isaiah Collier in the backcourt in the 122-120 loss to the Trail Blazers on Thursday.

Huff (ankle) is available for Friday's game against the Pelicans.

Huff is set to return Friday from a four-game absence due to a left ankle sprain. In the 10 games prior to his injury, he averaged 8.7 points and 3.3 rebounds over 16.1 minutes per contest. Huff will join Brandon Clarke in providing big-man depth off the Grizzlies' bench behind rookie starter Zach Edey.

Porzingis (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's game versus the Pacers, Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe reports.

Porzingis has been downgraded from questionable to out Friday due to a left ankle sprain he suffered against Philadelphia. Al Horford and Luke Kornet should receive extended minutes in his absence. Porzingis' next chance to suit up is Sunday's matchup with Indiana.

Carlson (concussion) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against Charlotte.

Carlson is set to miss a third straight game while in the concussion protocol. The rookie center won't be part of the Thunder rotation once he's cleared to play again.