NBA Player News

Murray-Boyles (thumb) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Nuggets, though head coach Darko Rajakovic said he's "very close" to returning, Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Murray-Boyles will miss a 10th straight game due to a left thumb sprain. However, the rookie first-rounder has been participating in live scrimmages and is ramping up toward a return, so he can be considered questionable for Sunday's game in Phoenix until Toronto provides an update on his status. With Murray-Boyles out, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Jamison Battle are candidates for increased minutes.

Jackson (knee) won't play Friday against the Celtics.

Taylor Hendricks will likely return to the starting lineup for Friday's game, and he should get all the run he can handle as one of the only true bigs available for Memphis. Jackson's next chance to play will come Saturday in Charlotte, and for now, he should be considered questionable for that one.

Konchar (quadriceps) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against Philadelphia.

Konchar is in danger of missing a second consecutive contest due to a right quadriceps contusion. His absence would open up more minutes for guys like Blake Hinson, Cody Williams and Bez Mbeng.

Gibson (foot) is out for Friday's game against the Celtics.

Gibson will hit the sidelines for the first game of this back-to-back set, but he could return for Saturday's game in Charlotte. GG Jackson (knee) will also miss Friday's game, so Taylor Hendricks could be headed for major minutes as one of the last men standing in Memphis' frontcourt.

Eason will come off the bench for Friday's game against the Hawks, Vanessa Richardson of Space City Home Network reports.

Eason has been mired in an awful shooting slump of late, so head coach Ime Udoka will bring Reed Sheppard back into the first unit to give the team some more firepower. As a reserve this season, Eason owns averages of 10.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.2 triples per contest.

Sheppard will start Friday's game against the Hawks, Vanessa Richardson of Space City Home Network reports.

The second-year guard will get the starting nod in favor of Tari Eason on Friday. As a starter this season (10 games), Sheppard has averaged 16.1 points, 5.0 assists, 4.1 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 1.1 blocks in 32.1 minutes per tilt.

Alvarado will come off the bench for Friday's game in Brooklyn, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic reports.

Jalen Brunson (ankle/neck) is back and starting, so Alvarado will shift back to a reserve role. Through 18 games with the Knicks this season, Alvarado has averaged 6.2 points, 4.0 assists, 1.1 triples and 1.1 steals per contest.

Huerter (shoulder) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Golden State, Keith Langlois of the Pistons' official site reports.

Huerter will miss the second leg of this back-to-back set due to a right shoulder contusion, and his next chance to play will come Monday against the Lakers. With the 27-year-old swingman sidelined, Javonte Green and Ronald Holland are candidates to see a bump in minutes.

Duren (ankle) is available for Friday's game against the Warriors.

Duren will shed his questionable tag due to right ankle soreness and suit up in the second leg of this back-to-back set. The star big man has recorded a double-double in five consecutive contests, averaging 24.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, 0.8 assists and 0.8 blocks in 27.2 minutes per game over that stretch.

Shamet is in the starting lineup for Friday's matchup with the Nets, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic reports.

This will be Shamet's 12th start of the season, and it'll be Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns joining him in the first unit for Friday's game. As a starter this season, Shamet owns averages of 9.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.8 triples per contest.