NBA Player News

Christie (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Timberwolves.

Christie sprained his left ankle in Thursday's practice and won't suit up Friday. His next opportunity to play will come Sunday against Indiana. With the 23-year-old swingman sidelined, Naji Marshall, Brandon Williams and Klay Thompson are candidates for increased playing time, while AJ Johnson could enter the Dallas rotation.

Clayton (calf) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Jazz.

The rookie first-rounder will miss a third consecutive game while nursing a right calf contusion, and his next chance to play is in the second leg of the Grizzlies' back-to-back set against the Heat on Saturday. The Grizzlies are dealing with multiple injuries, so Javon Small and Jahmai Mashack should see significant roles Friday due to the absences of Clayton, Ty Jerome (calf), Scotty Pippen (toe) and Cedric Coward (knee).

Thompson (two-way) is listed out for Friday's game against the Wizards.

Thompson received 27 minutes in both of the Pacers' past two games, but because he's eligible to suit up for just 10 more contests at the NBA level over the rest of the season while he's signed to a two-way deal, Indiana will hold him out Friday in an afford to preserve some of his availability down the stretch. Fellow two-way player Quenton Jackson was inactive for Thursday's loss to Washington, but he'll suit up Friday and will likely end up absorbing most of Thompson's vacated minutes.

Yabusele is listed as probable for Saturday's game against the Pistons due to a left calf contusion.

Yabusele may have tweaked his calf during the Bulls' 110-101 loss to the Raptors on Thursday, when he logged eight points (2-5 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 3-4 FT), five rebounds and one assist over 17 minutes, though the veteran big man is on track to play in Saturday's contest. Since being acquired by the Bulls from the Knicks in early February, Yabusele is averaging 10.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 2.2 threes and 0.8 steals over 24.8 minutes per game.

Plumlee (reconditioning) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Kings.

Plumlee underwent right groin surgery in late December but is currently ramping up toward a return to game action. The veteran big man signed a 10-day contract with San Antonio on Tuesday, and his next opportunity to make his Spurs debut will come Monday against Detroit.

Waters (knee) is questionable for Saturday's game versus Sacramento.

This is the first time that Waters has received the questionable tag since going down with the knee injury, which indicates progress. Check back closer to Saturday's tip for official word on Waters' status.

Ivey (knee) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Pistons.

Ivey is dealing with pain in his left knee and is in danger of missing the front end of this back-to-back set. The 24-year-old guard wasn't included in the rotation during Thursday's loss to Toronto, so his potential absence shouldn't cause any significant waves.

Embiid (knee/shin) won't play Saturday in New Orleans.

Embiid is set to miss his fourth consecutive game, and for now, he should be considered highly questionable for Sunday's game in Minnesota. Adem Bona and Andre Drummond will continue to split the five-man minutes in Embiid's absence.

Smith is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Bulls due to a right knee contusion.

Smith may have sustained the injury during the Pistons' 126-111 win over the Knicks on Thursday, when he played 15 minutes and finished with three points, three rebounds and two assists. Even if he were cleared to play, Smith's minutes would likely take a significant dip, given that Jalen Duren will be available to play Saturday after serving a two-game suspension.

Nembhard (back) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Wizards.

Nembhard's absence doesn't come as a surprise, given that he was listed initially listed as doubtful for the second leg of the Pacers' back-to-back set while managing a back injury. T.J. McConnell has been cleared to return Friday from a two-game absence due to a hamstring injury, so he and Kam Jones (back) should both see elevated roles in Nembhard's absence. Nembhard's next opportunity to play is Sunday against Dallas.