NBA Player News

Alvarado won't start Friday's game against Chicago.

With Jalen Brunson (ankle) back in the lineup, Alvarado will slide back to the second unit. The 27-year-old point guard has averaged 5.6 points and 3.0 assists in 11.8 minutes per contest over his last five appearances off the bench.

Robinson will start Friday's game against Chicago, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic reports.

Karl-Anthony Towns (elbow) won't suit up for this contest, so Robinson will make his first start since the 101-92 win over the Pacers on March 13. In 15 starts throughout the 2025-26 campaign, the 28-year-old has averaged 4.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 1.1 blocks and 0.7 steals in 19.9 minutes per tilt.

Clayton (hip) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Raptors.

Clayton was a late addition to the injury report Friday and won't suit up due to left hip soreness. His next chance to play will come Sunday in Milwaukee. With the rookie first-rounder sidelined, Adama Bal, Javon Small and Jahmai Mashack are candidates to see increased playing time.

Gibson (foot) is out for Friday's game versus Toronto.

This will be Gibson's fourth consecutive game on the inactive list. With Sunday's game in Milwaukee being the first of a back-to-back set, it wouldn't be shocking to see Gibson spend at least one more game on the sidelines.

Towns (elbow) won't play Friday versus the Bulls, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic reports.

Towns only took a few shots at shootaround before grabbing at his elbow and retreating back to the locker room, so it's not surprising to see him get ruled out for Friday's game. Mitchell Robinson will draw the start in his absence, and for now, Towns should be viewed as questionable for Monday's game in Atlanta.

Bagley (shoulder) won't play in Friday's game against Orlando.

Bagley was initially listed as doubtful, so his third consecutive absence isn't surprising. Without him in the lineup, Dwight Powell is in line for more minutes.

Martin is out for Friday's game versus Orlando due to a right plantar fascia strain, Ron Harrod Jr. of DLLS Sports reports.

Martin will be sidelined for a ninth consecutive contest. Max Christie, Klay Thompson and Khris Middleton are the most likely options to soak up more playing time for the Mavericks on Friday. Martin's next chance to play comes Sunday, when Dallas clashes with the Lakers.

Washington (illness) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Magic, Ron Harrod Jr. of DLLS Sports reports.

Washington will miss a third consecutive contest due to an illness, and his next opportunity to play will come Sunday against the Lakers. With the 27-year-old forward sidelined, Khris Middleton and Klay Thompson are candidates for increased playing time.

Battle (illness) is available for Friday's game versus Memphis, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

After missing Toronto's past three contests due to an illness, Battle is ready to return to the floor Friday. With the Raptors' frontcourt completely healthy, Battle isn't a lock to see meaningful playing time.

Thompson won't start Friday's game against Charlotte, Sam Perley of the Hornets' official site reports.

With Ben Sheppard entering the starting five, Thompson will retreat to the second unit. The two-way player has averaged 4.2 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 13.1 minutes per game over 18 appearances off the bench this season.