NBA Player News

Leonard (ankle) is available for Sunday's game against the Magic.

Leonard left Friday's game against the Lakers early due to a left ankle injury, which had his status for Sunday's contest in the air. Ultimately, he will be able to play through the injury. Leonard has been on a tear of late, averaging 29.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.8 steals in 32.4 minutes per contest over his last five appearances.

Jokic ended with 35 points (11-21 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 10-11 FT), 20 rebounds, 12 assists, three steals and two blocks across 36 minutes during Sunday's 128-117 loss to the Warriors.

Jokic stuffed the stat sheet with a triple-double and five stocks for good measure, though it wasn't enough to secure a win. Sunday marked his 21st triple-double of the season and just the second time he's paired 30-plus points with 20-plus rebounds in the same game this year. Through nine appearances in February, the three-time MVP has recorded five triple-doubles.

Kalkbrenner (ankle) is available to return to Sunday's game against the Wizards.

Kalkbrenner sustained a left ankle sprain during the third quarter of Sunday's contest, but the team announced that he is available to return to the game. With the Hornets sporting a large lead, it remains to be seen whether he returns to action or not.

Tate (knee) is out for Monday's game against the Jazz.

Tate sustained a right knee sprain during Saturday's game against the Knicks, which will hold him out of Monday's contest. Josh Okogie and Dorian Finney-Smith could pick up extra minutes with Tate out.

Hayes will not return to Sunday's game against the Celtics due to a right ankle injury, Dan Woike of The Athletic reports.

Hayes exited the game in the first quarter and will not return due to a right ankle injury. Jarred Vanderbilt and Maxi Kleber could see extra minutes off the bench with Hayes sidelined. His status for Tuesday's game against the Magic is now in question.

Claxton (ankle/hip) contributed 15 points (6-11 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 3-5 FT), eight rebounds, five assists and one steal over 31 minutes during Sunday's 115-104 loss to Atlanta.

Claxton returned from a three-game absence due to a right ankle sprain and a sore right hip and produced a respectable stat line in the loss. After setting a career high with 2.2 assists per game across 70 contests in 2024-25, the big man has quietly pushed his average up to 4.0 per game through 50 outings this season.

Dunn will start Sunday's game against the Trail Blazers, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports.

Dunn will make his first start since Nov. 21 due to Dillon Brooks (hand) being out of the lineup. Dunn has seen at least 20 minutes in each of his last three appearances, averaging 2.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 22.0 minutes per game over that stretch.

Porter finished with 18 points (8-19 FG, 1-8 3Pt, 1-1 FT), seven rebounds and six assists across 35 minutes in Sunday's 115-104 loss to Atlanta.

Porter led Brooklyn in scoring but struggled to find his jumper, converting just one shot from beyond the arc. The forward has been mired in a significant shooting slump in February, entering Sunday converting 36.8 percent from the field and just 17.1 percent from deep while attempting 8.2 threes per game over his previous five appearances. Porter has shown he can still generate volume scoring, but his overall impact diminishes when the efficiency dips to this extent.

Kalkbrenner went back to the locker room during Sunday's game against the Wizards with an apparent ankle injury, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Kalkbrenner appeared to roll his ankle before heading to the locker room during the third quarter of Sunday's contest. If he is unable to return, PJ Hall and Xavier Tillman could see extra minutes.

Avdija (back) is available for Sunday's game in Phoenix.

Avdija will push through the pain with the back issue and make himself available for Sunday's game. Portland's All-Star is averaging 25.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 2.2 triples per game this season.