NBA Player News

Hart (ankle) is probable for Friday's game against the Pistons.

Hart was previously considered questionable for New York, but it sounds like he will push through his ankle sprain. With Karl-Anthony Towns (eye) doubtful and OG Anunoby (toe) now questionable, Hart will likely see a bump in usage Friday night.

Towns is doubtful for Friday's game against the Pistons due to a right eye laceration.

Towns got his right eye bandaged up during Wednesday's 134-127 double-overtime victory over the Nuggets, and now it sounds like he won't be able to play Friday. Mitchell Robinson appears to be slated to handle the starting center job against Detroit, with Ariel Hukporti stepping into the backup role.

Alvarado (not injury related) will not debut Friday against the Pistons.

Alvarado was acquired by the Knicks at the trade deadline, but his debut won't happen until Sunday in Boston, at the earliest. With Miles McBride (abdominal) sidelined indefinitely, Alvarado is expected to slot in as the backup point guard behind Jalen Brunson.

Watson is expected to miss at least four weeks with his Grade 2 right hamstring strain, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports Friday.

This is a devastating blow for the Nuggets, and the franchise has had some awful luck with injuries this season. Watson has had a breakout season in Denver, averaging 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steals while hitting 41.7 percent from beyond the arc. With Watson sidelined, there will be more opportunities for guys like Julian Strawther, Spencer Jones, Tim Hardaway and maybe even Zeke Nnaji.

Diabate accumulated seven points (3-5 FG, 1-2 FT), 12 rebounds, four assists and one block over 29 minutes during Thursday's 109-99 win over the Rockets.

Diabate started the season in a timeshare for the center position with rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner, but the former has now started in each of his last 20 appearances. The fourth-year big man from Michigan is averaging 9.8 points and 11.0 rebounds per game over his last five contests.

Smith produced 17 points (7-10 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 2-3 FT), seven rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal over 33 minutes during Thursday's 109-99 loss to the Hornets.

Smith extended his double-digit scoring streak to five games in the loss to Charlotte. Smith and Kevin Durant were the lone bright spots offensively as no other Rockets players scored in double figures.

Clayton is available for Friday's game versus Portland.

Clayton was involved in the blockbuster trade that sent Jaren Jackson to the Jazz on Tuesday, and the rookie point guard has an exciting opportunity ahead of him in Memphis. With Ja Morant (elbow) still sidelined, Clayton will have plenty of chances to impress the coaching staff.

Anderson is good to go for Friday's game versus Portland.

Anderson was traded from the Jazz to the Grizzlies on Tuesday and has the green light to suit up. Anderson will have a lot of familiarity with his former team, and it will be interesting to see what type of role he will play.

Hendricks is available to make his Memphis debut Friday against the Trail Blazers, Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.

Hendricks was dealt from the Jazz to the Grizzlies on Tuesday, and he officially has the green light to suit up. With the Grizzlies pivoting towards a rebuild, Hendricks will have a big opportunity to carve out a sizable role with his new team.

Conley is expected to re-sign with the Timberwolves, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

Conley was traded twice this week, to Chicago and then to Charlotte. However, he was eventually waived, freeing him up to choose his next destination. A return to Minnesota seemed inevitable, so this news does not come as a surprise. For now, it sounds like the two sides are still finalizing the details.