NBA Player News

Jackson won't return to Friday's game against the Pelicans due to a right calf injury, Pat Boylan of Bally Sports Indiana reports.

Jackson sustained the injury in the fourth quarter. He'll finish the contest with six points (3-3 FG, 0-2 FT), eight rebounds, an assist and a block in 16 minutes. Obi Toppin is a candidate for increased minutes in Jackson's absence.

Bamba (knee) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Thunder, Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Bamba has yet to suit up this season due to left knee soreness and remains without a return timetable. His next chance to suit up will come Monday versus the Spurs. In Bamba's absence, Kai Jones should remain part of the rotation.

Richards (shoulder) won't return to Friday's game against the Celtics.

Richards posted one point (0-2 FG, 1-2 FT), three rebounds, an assist and two blocks in 16 minutes during the first half but was shut down for the second half. In his absence, Grant Williams should play the majority of center minutes, while Taj Gibson could also work his way into the rotation. Richards' next chance to suit up will come Saturday in a rematch against Boston.

Richards is questionable to return to Friday's game against the Celtics due to right shoulder soreness.

Richards posted one point (0-2 FG, 1-2 FT), three rebounds, an assist and two blocks in 16 minutes during the first half, but Grant Williams started the second half in Richards' absence. With Mark Williams (back) still out, Williams will likely play the bulk of his minutes at center, while Taj Gibson could also join the rotation.

Theis (ankle) is available but will play off the bench during Friday's game against the Pacers, Christian Clark of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Theis played only five minutes during Wednesday's loss to the Warriors before sustaining an ankle injury. While he's fine to play Friday, the veteran will make way for rookie Yves Missi, who'll be making his first career start.

Missi will start Friday's game against the Pacers, Christian Clark of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Missi will make his first career start, replacing Daniel Theis in the starting lineup. Missi was held scoreless in 12 minutes off the bench during Wednesday's loss to the Warriors. However, in his first four appearances, he averaged 8.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.3 blocks and 0.8 steals in 21.8 minutes per game.

Theis (ankle) is available for Friday's game against the Pacers.

Theis played only five minutes during Wednesday's loss to the Warriors before sustaining an ankle injury. However, the issue was minor, and he's expected to be in the starting lineup Friday. Despite being a starter, Theis averaged only 18.8 minutes per game through his first four regular-season appearances.

Missi (hip) is available for Friday's game versus the Pacers.

Missi has been upgraded from questionable to available despite dealing with a right lower abdominal bruise, as expected. The rookie center is averaging 6.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.8 blocks in 19.8 minutes across his five appearances this season.

Claxton isn't in the starting five for Friday's game versus the Bulls, Evan Barnes of Newsday reports.

While Claxton is available for Friday's contest, Ben Simmons will draw another start at center. The Nets are playing it cautiously with Claxton's hamstring injury, but he should return to the starting five soon.

Turner (ankle) is available for Friday's game against the Pelicans.

Turner shakes off a questionable tag and will return to action following a one-game absence. In four regular-season appearances, he's averaged 15.0 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in 30.5 minutes per game.