NBA Player News

Nnaji will come off the bench for Friday's game against the Knicks.

The Nuggets are getting healthy again, so Nnaji could find himself out of the rotation Friday evening. The 25-year-old big man is averaging 4.0 points and 2.7 rebounds per game this season.

Strawther won't start against the Knicks on Friday.

With Cameron Johnson (ankle) and Aaron Gordon (hamstring) back in the lineup, Zeke Nnaji and Strawther will retreat to the second unit. Strawther has averaged 4.7 points and 1.8 rebounds across 11.6 minutes per game in 28 appearances off the bench so far this season.

Champagnie (knee) is available for Friday's game against the Clippers, Paul Garcia of ProjectSpurs.com reports.

Champagnie initially drew a questionable tag for Friday's game due to right knee soreness, but the fourth-year pro was given the green light to play after going through pregame warmups. He's coming off a solid performance against the Pistons on Thursday, when he logged 16 points, seven rebounds, one assist and three three-pointers over 31 minutes in a 121-106 victory.

O'Neale (foot) is available for Friday's game against the Pelicans.

O'Neale will shake off his questionable tag due to right foot soreness and keep his record of perfect attendance this season alive. In seven games since the All-Star break, the veteran forward has averaged 6.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 27.6 minutes per tilt.

Jones (shoulder) is available for Friday's meeting with the Knicks.

Jones is back after a three-game absence, and his return will likely result in fewer minutes for Tim Hardaway, Bruce Brown and Julian Strawther. Jones is averaging 5.8 points and 3.2 rebounds per game this season.

Johnson (ankle) is available for Friday's game against New York.

Johnson will shake off his questionable tag and return from a two-game absence due to right ankle inflammation. With the 30-year-old forward back in action, there will be fewer minutes available for guys like Julian Strawther, Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway. Johnson has averaged 10.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 33.0 minutes per contest over six appearances since the All-Star break.

Gordon (hamstring) is available for Friday's game against the Knicks.

This will be Gordon's first game back since aggravating his hamstring injury Jan. 23, so he'll likely have some heavy minutes restrictions. His return should result in less playing time for Zeke Nnaji and Julian Strawther.

Vucevic will not return to Friday's game against the Mavericks due to a fractured right ring finger. He logged no counting stats across two minutes.

Vucevic exited to the locker room with 4:21 remaining in the opening quarter after a brief appearance, and it's now been revealed that he sustained a fractured finger. Luka Garza will likely help pick up the slack while Vucevic is sidelined.

Hart (back) is good to go for Friday's game in Denver, Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette reports.

Hart tweaked his back during Wednesday's loss to the Thunder, but he was able to play through it, and it looks like he'll continue to do so Friday evening. Hart is averaging 11.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.5 triples and 1.1 steals per game on the season.

Sheppard will start Friday's game against the Trail Blazers, Lachard Binkley of SI.com reports.

With Jabari Smith (ankle) sidelined for the second leg of this back-to-back set, Sheppard will enter the starting five. As a starter this season (nine games), the second-year guard has averaged 16.0 points, 4.9 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 3.3 combined steals-plus-blocks in 31.7 minutes per game.