NBA Player News

Head coach JJ Redick said Friday that James (elbow/foot) will likely be available to play in Sunday's game against the Knicks, Thuc Nhi Nguyen of the Los Angeles Times reports. He has already been ruled out for Friday's game against Indiana.

James sustained a left elbow contusion in Thursday's loss to Denver and won't play in the second leg of this back-to-back set Friday. However, the superstar can be considered day-to-day ahead of Sunday's contest. With the 41-year-old unavailable Friday, Jake LaRavia, Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt are candidates for increased minutes.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick said that Ayton -- who has already been ruled out for Friday's game against the Pacers -- is considered "day-to-day" due to left knee soreness, Thuc Nhi Nguyen of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Ayton saw the floor for just four minutes in Thursday's loss to Denver and picked up a left knee injury. The good news for the veteran big man is that he avoided a serious injury, so he could be available as soon as Sunday against the Knicks. Jaxson Hayes and Jarred Vanderbilt should see a significant bump in minutes due to Ayton's absence Friday, and Drew Timme -- who has been in the G League for the South Bay Lakers of late -- could also see some NBA action.

Missi is not in the Pelicans' starting lineup against the Suns on Friday.

Missi was in the Pelicans' starting five for Thursday's 133-123 win over the Kings, when he finished with seven points, two rebounds, one assist, four blocks and two steals over 16 minutes. He'll revert to a bench role for Friday's contest while the Pelicans roll with a starting five of Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy, Herbert Jones, Saddiq Bey and Zion Williamson.

Vucevic will undergo surgery Saturday to repair a fractured right ring finger that he sustained during Friday's game against the Mavericks, and he will miss at least one month, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

Vucevic ended up playing just two minutes in the first quarter before suffering the injury, and the procedure will keep him sidelined until at least early April. The veteran big man has been a key contributor off Boston's bench since being acquired from the Bulls in early February, but the good news for the Celtics is that they received a big boost with the return of Jayson Tatum (Achilles) on Friday. Luka Garza should serve as the first big man off the bench for the Celtics behind Neemias Queta until Vucevic is cleared to return.

Nnaji will come off the bench for Friday's game against the Knicks.

The Nuggets are getting healthy again, so Nnaji could find himself out of the rotation Friday evening. The 25-year-old big man is averaging 4.0 points and 2.7 rebounds per game this season.

Strawther won't start against the Knicks on Friday.

With Cameron Johnson (ankle) and Aaron Gordon (hamstring) back in the lineup, Zeke Nnaji and Strawther will retreat to the second unit. Strawther has averaged 4.7 points and 1.8 rebounds across 11.6 minutes per game in 28 appearances off the bench so far this season.

Champagnie (knee) is available for Friday's game against the Clippers, Paul Garcia of ProjectSpurs.com reports.

Champagnie initially drew a questionable tag for Friday's game due to right knee soreness, but the fourth-year pro was given the green light to play after going through pregame warmups. He's coming off a solid performance against the Pistons on Thursday, when he logged 16 points, seven rebounds, one assist and three three-pointers over 31 minutes in a 121-106 victory.

O'Neale (foot) is available for Friday's game against the Pelicans.

O'Neale will shake off his questionable tag due to right foot soreness and keep his record of perfect attendance this season alive. In seven games since the All-Star break, the veteran forward has averaged 6.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 27.6 minutes per tilt.

Jones (shoulder) is available for Friday's meeting with the Knicks.

Jones is back after a three-game absence, and his return will likely result in fewer minutes for Tim Hardaway, Bruce Brown and Julian Strawther. Jones is averaging 5.8 points and 3.2 rebounds per game this season.

Johnson (ankle) is available for Friday's game against New York.

Johnson will shake off his questionable tag and return from a two-game absence due to right ankle inflammation. With the 30-year-old forward back in action, there will be fewer minutes available for guys like Julian Strawther, Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway. Johnson has averaged 10.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 33.0 minutes per contest over six appearances since the All-Star break.