NBA Player News

Towns (wrist) is listed as probable for Friday's game against Philadelphia.

Towns is dealing with a left wrist sprain he sustained in Wednesday's win over the Bulls, though he's still expected to suit up for Friday's contest. Over five regular-season outings, he's averaging 21.8 points, 13.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 31.0 minutes per tilt.

Diallo (personal) is doubtful for Friday's game against the Suns.

Diallo is not expected to rejoin the Nuggets in time for Friday's action. Assuming he's eventually ruled out, his next chance to return comes Monday against Portland.

Fontecchio (illness) is probable for Friday's against the Pacers.

Fontecchio is expected to be available off the bench Friday. However, he may not see a meaningful role.

Toppin (back) is questionable for Friday's game against the Heat.

Toppin is a late addition to the injury report with a back issue. Kelly Oubre and Jarace Walker would in line for more playing time if Toppin sits outs Friday.

Marshall (illness) is probable for Friday's game against the Rockets.

Marshall is likely to return from a two-game absence Friday. Fewer minutes will likely be open for Zaccharie Risacher off the bench.

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

The star forward is expected to sit out the front end of this back-to-back set. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Dean Wade should both pick up more playing time Friday.

Williams has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Warriors due to left foot injury management, Mark Medina of TheSportingTribune.com reports.

Williams will miss a second consecutive contest due to a left foot issue, and his next chance to play will come Sunday against Toronto. Quentin Grimes will likely continue seeing increased playing time in Williams' absence.

Houston picked up Sheppard's (back) fourth-year team option Friday, per Lachard Binkley of SI.com.

This decision is a no-brainer after the Rockets chose Sheppard in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft. Sheppard, who remains out for Friday's game versus Dallas, is a key cog in the backcourt rotation when healthy.

McConnell (hamstring) is practicing in the G League at Noblesville Boom training camp, per Alex Golden of SI.com.

McConnell appears to closing in on making his season debut for the Pacers, though it won't come Friday in Miami. Indiana returns home for a back-to-back set Sunday against the Nets and Monday versus the Hawks, so the veteran floor general's return could come at some point then.

Furphy (knee) is practicing with the G League's Noblesville Boom, per Alex Golden of SI.com.

The Pacers have been pretty quiet regarding Furphy's ACL recovery since the offseason, but it's encouraging to hear some form of progress as the forward begins to ramp up his activity. Although Furphy still lacks a firm timetable for a return and is likely to be brought back slowly, it appears a season debut before the start of the new calendar year is in the cards.