NBA Player News

Murray (ankle) will be re-evaluated in two weeks, Matt George of ABC 10 Sacramento reports.

Re-evaluated doesn't mean Murray will return in two weeks, and with the Kings holding the worst record in the Western Conference, there's not much incentive for the fourth-year forward to rush back to the court. Precious Achiuwa has been the primary beneficiary in Murray's absence thus far.

Sanders will start Friday's game against the Bulls, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

With Darius Garland (toe) unavailable for the front end of this back-to-back set, Sanders will get the starting nod. As a starter this season (15 games), the rookie second-rounder has averaged 10.5 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 27.4 minutes per game.

Richards is in the starting lineup for Friday's matchup with the Clippers, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

Richards will draw his first start in a Bulls uniform, and it'll be Josh Giddey, Tre Jones, Matas Buzelis and Leonard Miller joining Richards in the first unit for Friday's game. The big man is capable of racking up the boards and blocks when given the minutes, so he's on the radar as a potential streamer in deep leagues.

Collier will start Friday's game against the Trail Blazers.

The second-year point guard will step into the first unit due to the absence of Keyonte George, who is expected to miss at least two weeks with a Grade 2 hamstring strain. As a starter this season (16 games), Collier has averaged 15.3 points, 8.8 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals in 31.2 minutes per contest.

Porzingis will start Friday's game against the Timberwolves, though he will be limited to around 20 minutes, Danny Emerman of SFStandard.com reports.

With Draymond Green (back) sidelined, Porzingis will draw his first start with Golden State. However, head coach Steve Kerr said the big man will be on a "flexible" 20-minute restriction. Over three appearances with the Warriors, Porzingis has averaged 12.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.0 blocks in 20.0 minutes per tilt.

Richard will come off the bench for Friday's game against the Timberwolves, Danny Emerman of SFStandard.com reports.

De'Anthony Melton (thigh) is back and starting, so Richard will shift to the second unit. As a reserve this season, Richard owns averages of 5.9 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game.

Green (back) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Timberwolves, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Green was added to the injury report 45 minutes before tipoff and ruled out shortly thereafter. With the veteran big man sidelined, Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis and Quinten Post are candidates to see increased burn. Green's next opportunity to play will come Sunday in New York.

Williams (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game versus the Jazz.

Williams is out with a maintenance day, but he should be back for Sunday's game against the 76ers. Sidy Cissoko and Yang Hansen will have the opportunity to get into the rotation with Williams unavailable.

Green has been downgraded to questionable for Friday's game against the Timberwolves due to lower-back injury management.

Green was added to the injury report 45 minutes before tipoff, which suggests that he'll go through his pregame warmups before a final decision on his availability is made. If the veteran big man isn't cleared to play, Quinten Post, Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis would be candidates for increased playing time.

Smith (calf) won't play Friday versus the Clippers, K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reports.

Smith will rest on the second night of a back-to-back set, but he will likely return for Monday's matchup with Memphis. Guerschon Yabusele and Nick Richards will soak up the center minutes with Smith unavailable.