NBA Player News

Plumlee (reconditioning) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Kings.

Plumlee underwent right groin surgery in late December but is currently ramping up toward a return to game action. The veteran big man signed a 10-day contract with San Antonio on Tuesday, and his next opportunity to make his Spurs debut will come Monday against Detroit.

Waters (knee) is questionable for Saturday's game versus Sacramento.

This is the first time that Waters has received the questionable tag since going down with the knee injury, which indicates progress. Check back closer to Saturday's tip for official word on Waters' status.

Ivey (knee) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Pistons.

Ivey is dealing with pain in his left knee and is in danger of missing the front end of this back-to-back set. The 24-year-old guard wasn't included in the rotation during Thursday's loss to Toronto, so his potential absence shouldn't cause any significant waves.

Embiid (knee/shin) won't play Saturday in New Orleans.

Embiid is set to miss his fourth consecutive game, and for now, he should be considered highly questionable for Sunday's game in Minnesota. Adem Bona and Andre Drummond will continue to split the five-man minutes in Embiid's absence.

Smith is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Bulls due to a right knee contusion.

Smith may have sustained the injury during the Pistons' 126-111 win over the Knicks on Thursday, when he played 15 minutes and finished with three points, three rebounds and two assists. Even if he were cleared to play, Smith's minutes would likely take a significant dip, given that Jalen Duren will be available to play Saturday after serving a two-game suspension.

Nembhard (back) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Wizards.

Nembhard's absence doesn't come as a surprise, given that he was listed initially listed as doubtful for the second leg of the Pacers' back-to-back set while managing a back injury. T.J. McConnell has been cleared to return Friday from a two-game absence due to a hamstring injury, so he and Kam Jones (back) should both see elevated roles in Nembhard's absence. Nembhard's next opportunity to play is Sunday against Dallas.

Hunter is set to undergo season-ending eye surgery, Chris Haynes of NBA TV reports.

Hunter managed to suit up for only two games for Sacramento before opting to undergo a season-ending procedure on his eye, but this likely won't be something that impacts his status for next year's training camp. He will end his 2025-26 campaign with averages of 13.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.7 triples in 26.1 minutes per game across 45 regular-season outings (25 starts) between Cleveland and Sacramento. With the 28-year-old forward sidelined, Nique Clifford and Daeqwon Plowden are candidates for increased playing time.

Mitchell is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Hawks due to an illness.

Given that the Heat and Hawks tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET, Mitchell's late addition to the injury report doesn't bode well for his chances of playing in Friday's contest. Rookie first-rounder Kasparas Jakucionis would be the top candidate to enter the Heat's starting lineup if Mitchell is unable to play.

Potter (ankle) is available for Friday's game against the Wizards, Tony East of Forbes.com reports.

Potter will shed his questionable tag due to an ankle sprain and suit up in the second leg of this back-to-back set. The 27-year-old has averaged 11.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game over his last five appearances (one start). With Pascal Siakam (personal), Aaron Nesmith (ankle), Ivica Zubac (ankle) and Obi Toppin (foot) all sidelined, Potter may see a bump in minutes.

Markkanen (illness) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Grizzlies.

Markkanen saw his injury status downgrade from questionable to doubtful, and the veteran forward will sit out of Friday's game while battling through an illness. His absence means Kyle Filipowski, John Konchar and Kevin Love are all poised for larger roles against Memphis. Markkanen's next opportunity to play is Monday against the Rockets.