NBA Player News

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.

Morant has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain and is expected to miss four weeks, Portland announced Friday.

Morant left Thursday's game early with a hamstring injury, which has since been revealed to be a strain that will result in a monthlong absence. The star guard leaves a major void in the Trail Blazers' starting backcourt, one that figures to be filled by Jrue Holiday for the foreseeable future.

Johnson (ankle) is expected to play in Friday's game against the Suns, per John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.

Johnson appears to be primed to end a three-game absence with an ankle sprain. Less playing time should be open to Trevon Brazile and Bryce Hopkins on Friday.

Shannon's contract option for next season is being exercised by Minnesota, Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic reports.

This is an expected move after Minnesota drafted Shannon in the first round in 2024. Shannon is being forced into an expanded role in the absence of Anthony Edwards (knee).

Beringer's contract option for next season is being exercised by Minnesota, Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic reports.

With Minnesota locking in Beringer for another season, the young center's roster spot and longer-term place in the frontcourt are more secure. Beringer remains a developmental piece for the Timberwolves, but he's been thrust into a larger role in the middle now that Naz Reid is in Charlotte.

Hachimura (quadriceps) is probable for Friday's game against Minnesota, per Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com.

Hachimura is set to return from a two-game absence with quadriceps soreness. Kobe Sanders is likely to revert back to a bench role Friday, and fewer minutes should be available to Gradey Dick as well.

Scheierman had his 2027-28 rookie-scale team option picked up by Boston on Friday, Keith Smith of Spotrac.com reports

It's a fourth-year option for Scheierman, which keeps the forward under team control for at least one more season after 2026-27. Scheierman is a significant reserve on the wing alongside Sam Hauser and Hugo Gonzalez for the Celtics.

The Celtics have exercised Gonzalez's third-year rookie-scale team option for the 2027-28 season, Keith Smith of Spotrac.com reports.

The move keeps Gonzalez under contract through the 2027-28 campaign as Boston continues investing in the young wing's development. The 20-year-old was selected with the 28th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and remains a developmental piece in the Celtics' rotation. His long-term fantasy value will depend on his ability to carve out a consistent role.

Spencer produced eight points (3-6 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-1 FT), six rebounds, eight assists and two steals across 23 minutes during Thursday's 124-103 win over Portland.

Spencer registered season highs in both boards and dimes Thursday, leading the second unit in the latter category. Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal believes Spencer has leapfrogged Scotty Pippen in the backcourt rotation hierarchy, so Spencer's stock in fantasy looks to be very much on the rise.

Hezonja provided 10 points (4-6 FG, 2-3 3Pt), six rebounds, two assists and one steal in 17 minutes during Thursday's 114-111 loss to the Hawks.

After spending the past six seasons overseas, the veteran forward is carving out a consistent bench role in his return to the states for the Cavaliers right away. Over his first five appearances, Hezonja has averaged 7.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 17.4 minutes per game.