NBA Player News

Richards (elbow) is out for Friday's game against the Magic.

Richards will miss his ninth straight game, and there's been no indication that he's close to a return. Consider him doubtful for the season finale Sunday.

Williams (thumb) is probable for Friday's matchup against the Magic.

Williams joined the first unit during Thursday's game against the Wizards, making it the second consecutive game he played 30-plus minutes. Chicago has an extensive injury report again, so don't be surprised if Williams' role remains bigger than usual.

Simons (wrist) is out for Friday's game against the Magic.

Simons hasn't played since Feb. 21, and there's been no indication he's close to a return. He can be considered doubtful at best for the season finale Sunday.

Olbrich (foot) is probable for Friday's matchup against the Magic.

Assuming Olbrich sees the floor, he could have a bigger role given that Guerschon Yabusele -- and many other Bulls frontcourt players -- are sidelined. Olbrich has seen double-digit minutes in five consecutive games, averaging 5.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 16.4 minutes.

Okoro (quadriceps) is doubtful for Friday's game against Orlando.

Okoro is expected to sit out for a second straight contest. At this point, it may be a surprise to see him in the season finale Sunday, given how careful the Bulls have been with their key players.

Harkless (hamstring) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Grizzlies.

Harkless has been downgraded from questionable to out and will miss a sixth straight game. His final chance to suit up this season will come Sunday against the Lakers. Bez Mbeng and Kennedy Chandler are candidates for increased roles in Utah's depleted backcourt.

Yabusele has been ruled outfor Friday's game against the Magic due to a sprained left shoulder and sprained left elbow.

Yabusele exited Thursday's 119-108 win over the Wizards due to the shoulder issue, and he apparently banged up his elbow at some point along the way. He'll be held out of the second leg of a back-to-back, and it wouldn't be surprising if Yabusele remained sidelined for Sunday's season finale versus the Mavericks. In Yabusele's absence Friday, Leonard Miller and Lachlan Olbrich are candidates to see increased run out of the frontcourt.

Nance (knee) is out for Friday's game against the Nets.

Nance is the latest injury setback for the shorthanded Bucks. His absence could open things up even more for Ousmane Dieng and Jericho Sims in the frontcourt.

Buzelis (illness) is questionable for Friday's game against the Magic.

Buzelis has a chance to snap a three-game absence due to an illness, but given the Bulls aren't competing for a playoff spot, it's unlikely he sees a major role even if cleared to suit up. Leonard Miller has taken advantage of increased playing time in Buzelis' absence, and that should continue Friday if the latter remains in street clothes.

Bufkin was waived by the Lakers on Friday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

The Lakers will open up a roster spot by cutting ties with Bufkin. He made a total of 16 appearances at the NBA level for an average of 7.4 minutes per contest.