NBA Player News

Awaka (ankle) is available for Friday's game in Boston.

The rookie big man is available off the bench for the Bulls on Friday. Awaka may not see significant playing time, though.

Smith (finger) is available for Friday's game against the Celtics.

Smith popped up on the injury report due to a left finger sprain, though it won't keep him off the floor versus Boston. With Nic Claxton (hamstring) sidelined, Smith has started in all five of the Bulls' regular-season games in 2026-27, averaging 13.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists over 23.4 minutes per outing.

Swain (back) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Boston.

Swain will be held out of Friday's contest due to lower-back soreness. His next chance to play will come Monday at Philadelphia.

Brown (knee) is out for Friday's game against the Knicks.

Brown is sitting out the first leg of this back-to-back set, and he figures to be facing a short-term absence. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Dean Wade should see more playing time, while Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and LeBron James are all in line to handle more usage.

Harris (calf) is listed as out for Saturday's game against Minnesota.

Harris suffered a strained left calf ahead of the 2026-27 campaign and has yet to make his debut with the Spurs. The veteran is slowly making progress toward a return, though he should be considered week-to-week until more information is released. The 34-year-old, who signed with San Antonio during the offseason, averaged 13.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists over 27.7 minutes per contest in 63 regular-season appearances with the Pistons in 2025-26.

Dybantsa (ankle) will remain on a minutes restriction in Friday's game against the Hornets, Greg Finberg of The Wizards Podcast reports.

The rookie No. 1 overall pick missed the Wizards' first four regular-season games due to a left ankle sprain. He made his NBA regular-season debut in Wednesday's loss to Cleveland, posting 19 points, two rebounds and two assists in 27 minutes, and it appears likely he'll hover around that mark again Friday.

Missi (knee) won't play in Saturday's game against Atlanta.

Missi sustained a bone bruise in his left knee during the 120-119 loss to Utah on Oct. 23. The 22-year-old hasn't played since, and considering he doesn't have a definitive return date, he should be considered week-to-week. Without Missi on the floor, DeAndre Jordan, Derik Queen and Karlo Matkovic could all see more action, though it appears none of them are a lock to take over the interim starting center job at the moment.

Poole (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Hawks.

Poole will miss a second straight game due to a sprained left ankle. His next chance to suit up will come Monday at Memphis. Bennedict Mathurin and Herbert Jones are candidates for increased playing time in Poole's absence.

Murray (personal) is off the injury report for Saturday's game against the Hawks.

Murray is rejoining the Pelicans for Saturday after celebrating the birth of his son Thursday. The star guard should resume his usual duties as the team's top point guard, supplanting Herbert Jones from the starting lineup.

Tyson (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Bucks.

Tyson is dealing with a right ankle sprain and won't suit up Saturday, with his next chance to play coming Monday against the Thunder. With the 23-year-old forward sidelined, Mario Hezonja, Sam Merrill and Meleek Thomas (foot) are candidates for increased playing time.