NBA Player News

Avdija (back) won't play in Saturday's game against the Grizzlies, Danny Marang of 1080 The Fan Portland reports.

Avdija will miss a fourth consecutive game due to a lower-back strain. His absence likely means Jerami Grant will draw another start. Avdija's next chance to play will come Monday against Philadelphia.

Hayes will start Saturday's game against the Warriors, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.

Deandre Ayton (knee) was a late scratch Saturday, resulting in Hayes getting the starting nod for the first time since Dec. 20. As a starter this season (four games), the seventh-year center has averaged 11.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists across 28.8 minutes per tilt.

Hachimura is part of the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Warriors, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.

Hachimura will step into the first unit for the first time in 13 appearances, filling in for the injured Luka Doncic (hamstring). In his last 10 games, Hachimura is averaging 11.2 points and 3.6 rebounds across 25.9 minutes. Marcus Smart, LeBron James, Jake LaRavia and Jaxson Hayes make up the rest of the starting lineup Saturday.

Ayton has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Warriors due to right knee soreness, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.

Ayton was an extremely late addition to the injury report due to the knee issue, and his next opportunity to play will come Monday against the Thunder. With the big man sidelined, Jaxson Hayes will get the starting nod, while Drew Timme and Maxi Kleber are candidates for increased burn off the bench.

The Clippers and Sanders agreed to a standard contract Saturday, Chris Haynes of NBA TV reports.

Sanders was approaching the 50-game cap for a two-way player, having appeared in 43 NBA games with the Clippers and being active for two others this season. Now on a standard contract, Sanders is officially part of the Clippers' 15-man roster and will have no limitations moving forward. Per Law Murray of The Athletic, the deal includes a team option for the 2026-27 season. Sanders is averaging 7.0 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists across 21.5 minutes per game this season.

George exited to the locker room in the second quarter of Saturday's game against the Magic due to an apparent right ankle injury, Cody Taylor of USA Today reports.

George was cleared to return Saturday from a three-game absence due to a left ankle sprain, though he rolled his right ankle in the second quarter and immediately left for the locker room. If he's unable to return, Isaiah Collier should pick up the slack the rest of the way.

Riley generated 27 points (10-19 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 3-4 FT), three rebounds, two assists, three steals and one block across 45 minutes of Saturday's 127-113 loss to Brooklyn.

The Wizards had just eight players available Saturday, allowing for Riley to make his second career start. He played 15 more minutes than his previous career high, and his 27 points were also a new best. Riley has etched out a steady role with the Wizards as a rookie, and he's now scored in double figures in five consecutive games. In 43 regular-season appearances thus far, Riley is averaging 7.0 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists across 16.2 minutes.

Yabusele is part of the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Denver.

Yabusele will start in his second game with the Bulls, stepping in for the injured Jalen Smith (calf). Yabusele had a stellar Chicago debut, posting 15 points and 11 rebounds across 33 minutes. Even with Nick Richards (recently traded) and Leonard Miller (recently traded) available to make their Bulls debuts, expect Yabusele to see plenty of run Saturday night.

Strawther will start against the Bulls on Saturday.

The 23-year-old wing will get the starting nod for the second time this season due to Aaron Gordon (hamstring), Peyton Watson (hamstring) and Spencer Jones (concussion) being sidelined. During his lone start this season in a Jan. 23 win over Milwaukee, Strawther posted 20 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal across 27 minutes.

Podziemski (illness) is available for Saturday's game against the Lakers.

Podziemski was previously listed as probable due to illness, but he's feeling well enough to suit up. The third-year guard should see significant usage Saturday due to the absence of Stephen Curry (knee). Podziemski is averaging 11.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.1 steals across 26.5 minutes per game this season.