NBA Player News

The Thunder waived Youngblood on Friday, Andrew Schlecht of The Athletic reports.

The Thunder needed to clear a roster spot to sign Buddy Boeheim to a two-way contract. Youngblood made 32 regular-season appearances for the Thunder, but he saw just 5.4 minutes per contest.

Terry (recently traded) is out for Friday's game against Minnesota.

Terry came over from the Knicks on Thursday via trade, but he has not yet joined his new team for action. His next chance to make his Pelicans debut comes Monday against the Kings. Given the uncertainty surrounding his role, Terry's absence doesn't seem to shake up the New Orleans rotation.

Anunoby (toe) has been downgraded to questionable for Friday's game against the Pistons

Anunoby was initially listed as probable for Friday's contest, so the downgrade casts some doubt on his availability. If he's unable to play, it would mark his first missed game since Dec. 23. With Karl-Anthony Towns (eye) doubtful and Jose Alvarado (recently traded) and Miles McBride (abdomen) unavailable, Landry Shamet, Jordan Clarkson and Tyler Kolek are all candidates for expanded offensive roles, especially if Anunoby gets ruled out or has limitations Friday.

Hart (ankle) is probable for Friday's game against the Pistons.

Hart was previously considered questionable for New York, but it sounds like he will push through his ankle sprain. With Karl-Anthony Towns (eye) doubtful and OG Anunoby (toe) now questionable, Hart will likely see a bump in usage Friday night.

Towns is doubtful for Friday's game against the Pistons due to a right eye laceration.

Towns got his right eye bandaged up during Wednesday's 134-127 double-overtime victory over the Nuggets, and now it sounds like he won't be able to play Friday. Mitchell Robinson appears to be slated to handle the starting center job against Detroit, with Ariel Hukporti stepping into the backup role.

Alvarado (not injury related) will not debut Friday against the Pistons.

Alvarado was acquired by the Knicks at the trade deadline, but his debut won't happen until Sunday in Boston, at the earliest. With Miles McBride (abdominal) sidelined indefinitely, Alvarado is expected to slot in as the backup point guard behind Jalen Brunson.

Watson is expected to miss at least four weeks with his Grade 2 right hamstring strain, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports Friday.

This is a devastating blow for the Nuggets, and the franchise has had some awful luck with injuries this season. Watson has had a breakout season in Denver, averaging 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steals while hitting 41.7 percent from beyond the arc. With Watson sidelined, there will be more opportunities for guys like Julian Strawther, Spencer Jones, Tim Hardaway and maybe even Zeke Nnaji.

Diabate accumulated seven points (3-5 FG, 1-2 FT), 12 rebounds, four assists and one block over 29 minutes during Thursday's 109-99 win over the Rockets.

Diabate started the season in a timeshare for the center position with rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner, but the former has now started in each of his last 20 appearances. The fourth-year big man from Michigan is averaging 9.8 points and 11.0 rebounds per game over his last five contests.

Smith produced 17 points (7-10 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 2-3 FT), seven rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal over 33 minutes during Thursday's 109-99 loss to the Hornets.

Smith extended his double-digit scoring streak to five games in the loss to Charlotte. Smith and Kevin Durant were the lone bright spots offensively as no other Rockets players scored in double figures.

Clayton is available for Friday's game versus Portland.

Clayton was involved in the blockbuster trade that sent Jaren Jackson to the Jazz on Tuesday, and the rookie point guard has an exciting opportunity ahead of him in Memphis. With Ja Morant (elbow) still sidelined, Clayton will have plenty of chances to impress the coaching staff.