NBA Player News

Lively contributed nine points (4-7 FG, 1-2 FT), 11 rebounds, four assists, four blocks and one steal in 28 minutes during Friday's 148-143 victory over the Hawks.

The rookie center just missed recording his eighth double-double while posting his most rejections since he swatted away a career-high seven shots against the Thunder on Dec. 2. Since returning from a five-game absence due to an ankle injury, Lively has pulled down double-digit boards three times in five games, averaging 9.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.4 blocks in 26.4 minutes per game while shooting an eye-popping 80.8 percent from the floor.

Ayton closed Friday's 116-100 loss to San Antonio with 20 points (10-17 FG), 12 rebounds, two assists and two steals in 34 minutes.

Ayton led all Portland players in rebounds to go along with a pair of assists and steals and ending as one of two players with 20 or more points in a double-double performance. Ayton has tallied at least 20 points in four games this season, and he has posted a double-double in two straight contests.

Richards accumulated 14 points (3-6 FG, 8-11 FT), seven rebounds, one assist and three blocks over 27 minutes during Friday's 138-104 loss to the Rockets.

Richards followed up his 21-point performance Thursday against the Hornets by scoring 14 points on Friday, eight of which came from the free-throw line. His three blocks on the night marked the fifth time this season he's reached that total. Since becoming the full-time starter Dec. 11, Richards is averaging 9.8 points on 64.3 percent shooting, 8.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.4 blocks over 28.8 minutes per game.

Allen contributed 24 points (9-20 FG, 6-7 FT), 14 rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal across 36 minutes during Friday's 112-100 victory over Milwaukee.

Allen didn't have his most efficient performance from the field Friday, but he had plenty of shot volume and posted a 14th consecutive double-double as the Cavaliers returned to the win column. During his streak of double-doubles, he's topped 20 points on six occasions while securing at least 15 rebounds in four appearances.

Carter provided 20 points (8-9 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 2-3 FT), nine rebounds, two assists, two blocks and two steals over 35 minutes during Friday's 107-106 loss to the Grizzlies.

Carter continues to flip the script, scoring at least 15 points for the fifth time in the past six games. After falling off the fantasy radar, he has turned things around of late, putting up top-30 numbers over the past two weeks. Rumors of a trade continue to swirl, but for now, he should be viewed as a must-roster player across most formats.

Nurkic won't return to Friday's game against the Pacers due to a left thumb injury. He finished with two points (1-3 FG), four rebounds, five assists and three steals in 20 minutes.

The severity of Nurkic's injury isn't known, but he'll presumably be sent in for X-rays as the Suns look to ascertain whether or not he suffered structural damage to his thumb. For now, Nurkic should be considered questionable for Sunday's game against the Magic. Drew Eubanks and Chimezie Metu could see more run if Nurkic is unable to play Sunday.

Porter won't return to Friday's game against the Clippers due to an eye issue, Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca reports.

Porter was poked in the eye during Monday's game against the Grizzlies and is evidently still bothered by the injury, given his early departure Friday. After starting in each of Toronto's previous five games, Porter came off the bench behind Thaddeus Young on Friday and played just four minutes before exiting. He finished with three rebounds and one assist during his time on the court.

Porter will play a reserve role in Friday's tilt against the Clippers, Justin Russo of the 'Clip & Roll' podcast reports.

Porter will come off the bench in favor of Thaddeus Young, which will snap the former's five-game start streak. The second-year big man has averaged 5.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists across six games as a reserve this season.

Bamba (knee) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game versus the Nuggets, Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Bamba is in danger of missing his seventh straight game Saturday while dealing with right knee inflammation. However, the 25-year-old big man returned to practice Friday as a full participant, which is a good sign for his availability against Denver.

Jokic is listed as probable for Saturday's game versus the 76ers due to a left eye abrasion.

Jokic suffered his injury during Thursday's loss to the Knicks after getting poked in the eye in the second quarter. However, the superstar center should be available to suit up against Joel Embiid in a highly-anticipated matchup between MVP contenders.