NBA Player News

Lopez (rest) is available for Friday's game against the Thunder.

Lopez, Khris Middleton (ankle) and Bobby Portis (rest) have all been upgraded from questionable to available, while Damian Lillard (adductor) has been downgraded to out and will join Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) on the sidelines. Lopez has made 29 straight appearances, averaging 11.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.9 blocks and 1.7 assists in 28.6 minutes per game.

Vucevic is questionable for Friday's game against Washington due to rest purposes.

Vucevic posted a double-double in 37 minutes of playing time during Thursday's comfortable win over the Pistons, but he could rest in the second half of the back-to-back set. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Bulls exercise caution with Vucevic since the team has already locked in its playoff seed.

Hartenstein is out for Friday's game versus the Nets due to left Achilles injury management.

The Knicks will hold Hartenstein, who missed time earlier in the campaign due to an Achilles injury, out of the second leg of their back-to-back Friday. Mitchell Robinson will likely start in Hartenstein's absence, while the latter's next chance to suit up is Sunday's regular-season finale versus Chicago.

Sharpe (wrist) is listed as doubtful for Friday's game versus the Knicks, C.J. Holmes of the New York Daily News reports.

Sharpe has been downgraded from questionable to out Friday due to right wrist effusion. If he's ultimately ruled out, Trendon Watford is a candidate to receive increased playing time.

Horford (toe) is questionable for Friday's game against the Hornets, Taylor Snow of the Celtics' official site reports.

The Celtics have been cautious with Horford's workload in back-to-back sets this year, and although he returned from a one-game absence Thursday against the Knicks, it wouldn't be surprising to see him rest Friday as he continues to deal with a left big toe sprain. If he's unavailable, Oshae Brissett, Xavier Tillman and Luke Kornet are candidates to see increased work.

Porzingis is questionable for Friday's game against the Hornets due to right hamstring injury management, Taylor Snow of the Celtics' official site reports.

Porzingis, Jayson Tatum (knee), Jaylen Brown (hand), Jrue Holiday (knee), Derrick White (ankle) and Al Horford (toe) are all questionable. Even if all of Boston's regulars suit up, they may not play usual minutes. Porzingis has appeared in 11 of the last 13 games, averaging 18.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.5 blocks and 1.2 steals in 28.9 minutes per game.

Porzingis ended Thursday's 118-109 loss to the Knicks with 14 points (5-12 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), eight rebounds, one assist and two blocks across 25 minutes.

Porzingis returned from a one-game absence, and while he only played 25 minutes, he still ended just two rebounds away from a double-double. Given his injury history and how cautious the Celtics have been with him all season, it remains to be seen how available Porzingis will be for the final two games of the regular season, as the Celtics have already locked up home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.

Hartenstein logged 11 points (5-11 FG, 1-3 FT), 13 rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal in 33 minutes during Thursday's 118-109 victory over the Celtics.

Hartenstein recorded a double-double for the second time over his last three appearances, and while he doesn't hold a prominent role in an offensive scheme led by Jalen Brunson, the big man has found ways to contribute regularly in a starting role. Hartenstein is averaging 10.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game over his last 10 games while scoring in double digits in four straight appearances.

Sabonis racked up 18 points (8-12 FG, 2-4 FT), 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals over 35 minutes during Thursday's 135-123 loss to the Pelicans.

Sabonis failed to record a double-double Tuesday against Oklahoma City but returned to form Thursday with his 75th double-double of the year. Despite breaking records left and right, the standout center isn't in the MVP conversation, but his explosive performances haven't saved the Kings from the Play-In Tournament. Sabonis will get no rest before the playoffs, as they will fight for the best seed possible up until the final game.

Valanciunas finished Thursday's 135-123 victory over Sacramento with 13 points (5-8 FG, 3-5 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists and one steal across 33 minutes.

Although Valanciunas' totals have taken a bit of a tumble this season, the 31-year-old has served the Pelicans well in the interior. Assuming he plays the final two games, the veteran will have logged a perfect attendance record for the 2023-24 season. Thursday's game marked his 80th start in 80 games. He's averaging 12.4 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 23.8 minutes per game this year.