NBA Player News

Smart (ankle) is available for Friday's game against the Suns.

The veteran guard is set to end an eight-game absence Friday with a bruised right ankle, and he will likely supplant Rui Hachimura in the starting lineup. That said, both players should see meaningful playing time for a Lakers team that is missing both Austin Reaves (oblique) and Luka Doncic (hamstring).

Curry (adductor) is out for Friday's game against the Kings.

The veteran guard is receiving a maintenance-related absence Friday. The likes of Pat Spencer, Gary Payton and De'Anthony Melton could pick up a few extra minutes each Friday.

Cryer (ankle) is out for Friday's game against the Kings.

Cryer left Thursday's loss to the Lakers in the fourth quarter due to a sprained right ankle, and he's now out for the second half of this back-to-back set. More playing time is open to Pat Spencer, Gary Payton and De'Anthony Melton on Friday.

Richard (back) is questionable to play against the Kings on Friday.

Richard remains day-to-day after missing the last two games for Golden State. He's not a great option in fantasy formats with Stephen Curry (knee) expected to suit up.

Horford (calf) is available for Friday's game against the Kings.

The veteran big man is set to return from a month-long absence with a calf strain, so his minutes could be limited Friday. That said, the recent rise in streaming appeal for Charles Bassey (ankle) could take a hit versus the Kings.

Bassey (ankle) is probable to face the Kings on Friday.

Bassey is expected to continue to push through his ankle issue. During Thursday's game against the Lakers, he had 12 points (6-8 FG), 13 rebounds, one assist and two blocks in 30 minutes off the bench. However, his role could shrink drastically Friday, as Al Horford (calf) and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) are both expected to be available.

Porzingis (illness) is probable for Friday's game against the Kings.

Porzingis is on track to return from a two-game absence. Look for the Warriors to ease him back with a modest workload Friday.

Santos (pelvis) is questionable for Friday's game against the Kings.

Santos is looking to overcome a right pelvic contusion Friday. Pat Spencer and Gary Payton could see increased minutes if Santos is unable to play.

Curry (knee) is probable for Friday's game against the Kings.

As expected, Curry is expected to return for the second leg of this back-to-back set after resting against Houston. He had 17 points (5-12 FG, 4-11 3Pt, 3-3 FT), five rebounds, two assists and one steal in 25 minutes off the bench in his previous outing.

Embiid underwent a successful appendectomy Thursday, and his timeline for a return to basketball activities is uncertain, per Marc J. Spears of ESPN.com.

While the door may be open for Embiid to return at some point during the playoffs if the 76ers go on a deep run, his regular season is over. The star big man had his workload managed all year long, finishing with averages of 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.2 blocks in 31.6 minutes per tilt in 38 games this season. Philadelphia is set to proceed with Adem Bona and Andre Drummond as its top center choices going forward.