NBA Player News

Horford will enter the first unit for Saturday's game against the Clippers, Sean Grande of NBC Sports Boston reports.

Horford will replace Kristaps Porzingis (ankle) in the starting five, a change that will likely stick for the duration of Porzingis' absence. In 17 starts this season, Horford is averaging 9.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists.

The Heat assigned Robinson to the G League's Sioux Falls Skyforce on Saturday, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Robinson has appeared in six games with the Heat so far in January but is averaging just 3.0 minutes per contest. He could be in store for more meaningful playing time while he's with the Skyforce.

Embiid won't play in Saturday's game against the Nuggets due to left knee soreness, Cassidy Hubbarth of ESPN reports.

Embiid didn't previously appear on the 76ers' injury report leading up to Saturday's contest but ended up being a late scratch due to the same injury that previously kept him out for three straight games earlier this month. In Embiid's absence, expect Paul Reed, Nicolas Batum and Marcus Morris to see more minutes in the frontcourt. Embiid's next chance to play will come Monday at Portland.

Nurkic (thumb) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Magic, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports.

Nurkic exited Friday's game after sustaining a sprained left thumb, and he'll be at risk of missing his third game of the season Sunday. If that's the case, Drew Eubanks and Chimezie Metu would likely see more minutes.

Bol (foot) is out for Sunday's game versus the Magic, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports.

Bol's absence streak will extend to eight games Friday while dealing with right foot soreness. His next chance to suit up is Monday's matchup with Miami, but despite returning to on-court work, he's still experiencing pain. Per Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic, Bol hopes to suit up during the Suns' current road trip.

Fernando (back) won't play in Sunday's game versus the Raptors, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports.

Fernando will miss a third straight game Sunday due to back spasms. The Hawks are continuing to evaluate the reserve center's status on a game-by-game basis.

Jokic (eye) is available for Saturday's game versus the 76ers.

Jokic has been upgraded from probable to available Saturday despite dealing with a left eye abrasion. The superstar center is averaging 32.6 points, 13.4 rebounds and 6.6 assists in 35.2 minutes across his last five outings.

Bamba (knee) is out for Saturday's game versus the Nuggets.

Bamba's absence streak will extend to seven games Saturday due to right knee inflammation. His next chance to suit up is Monday's matchup with Portland.

Sarr (hip) isn't on the injury report for Sunday's game versus the Pistons.

Sarr will return to action Sunday after missing the last two contests with a right hip strain. However, Sarr is unlikely to receive significant playing time.

Porter (eye) is listed as probable for Sunday's tilt against the Hawks.

Porter was forced out of Friday's game against the Clippers after getting poked in the left eye and suffering an abrasion. He seems to be trending in the direction of playing Sunday, though an official decision on his status won't arrive until closer to the game's 6 p.m. ET tipoff. Thaddeus Young drew the start at center in the loss to the Clippers, so Porter will presumably be in store for a backup role if cleared to play Sunday.