NBA Player News

Wiggins is not in the Thunder's lineup against the Nuggets on Friday, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports.

Wiggins drew the start in Wednesday's 124-116 loss to the Pistons, finishing with 20 points, six assists, four rebounds, one steal, one block and two three-pointers over 35 minutes. However, he'll move to the bench along with Jaylin Williams and Isaiah Joe for Friday's contest while Oklahoma City rolls with a starting five of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cason Wallace, Luguentz Dort, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein.

Joe is not in the Thunder's starting lineup against the Nuggets on Friday, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports.

Joe has started four of the Thunder's last eight games (including each of the last three contests) and has averaged 17.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 4.0 threes and 1.9 steals over 25.3 minutes per game over that span. He'll revert to a bench role for Friday's contest due to the return of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who will join Cason Wallace, Luguentz Dort, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein in the starting lineup.

Williams won't start against Denver on Friday, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports.

With Chet Holmgren (back) and Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) back in the lineup, Williams will retreat to the bench. Over nine appearances with the second unit this month, the big man has averaged 7.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 18.9 minutes per contest.

Pickett (knee) is available for Friday's game against Oklahoma City, Katy Winge of Altitude Sports reports.

Pickett will shake off his questionable tag and return from a two-game absence due to right knee soreness. However, the 26-year-old guard isn't guaranteed to see meaningful playing time Friday.

Strawther (toe) is available for Friday's game against the Thunder, Katy Winge of Altitude Sports reports.

Strawther has been on the Nuggets' injury report as of late while working through a left toe sprain, but the issue has not been severe enough for him to miss any time, and he'll suit up for Friday's contest. Strawther has started in each of Denver's last seven games and has averaged 15.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 2.3 threes and 1.0 steals over 26.4 minutes per contest over that span.

Jones (shoulder) will play in Friday's game against the Thunder, Katy Winge of Altitude Sports reports.

Jones will shed his questionable tag due to a right shoulder strain and suit up for a fifth consecutive contest. Over his last four outings, the 24-year-old forward has averaged 5.0 points and 5.3 rebounds in 21.3 minutes per game off the bench.

Murray (illness) is available for Friday's game against the Thunder, Katy Winge of Altitude Sports reports.

Murray was pulled from the Nuggets' win over the Celtics on Wednesday due to an illness, but he has progressed enough in his recovery to suit up for Friday's Western Conference battle. He had scored at least 20 points in seven of eight games prior to Wednesday's contest and averaged 25.6 points, 7.4 assists, 4.9 rebounds, 2.8 threes and 0.8 steals over 34.8 minutes per game in that span.

Hachimura (illness) is listed as doubtful for Saturday's game against the Warriors, Dan Woike of The Athletic reports.

It looks like Hachimura will miss a second consecutive game while battling through an illness. Jake LaRavia and Luke Kennard would be in line for more minutes off the bench if Hachimura is indeed ruled out.

Williams will start against the Grizzlies on Friday.

With the Mavericks shorthanded in the second leg of this back-to-back set, Williams will get the starting nod for the second time this month. As a starter this season (12 games), the 26-year-old guard has averaged 14.5 points, 5.4 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 26.8 minutes per contest.

Pippen is in the Grizzlies' starting lineup against the Mavericks on Friday.

With Ty Jerome (thigh) sidelined, Pippen will make his second start in three games, joining Javon Small, Jaylen Wells, GG Jackson and Olivier-Maxence Prosper in the first unit. Pippen's last start was in a 123-114 loss to the Kings on Monday, when he posted six points, eight assists, two rebounds, five steals and seven turnovers over 22 minutes.