NBA Player News

Ayton (knee) will start at center in Friday's matchup with the Pacers, Sean Highkin of RoseGardenReport.com reports.

Ayton will presumably replace Duop Reath in the starting lineup. Ayton is returning from a 12-game absence, so Portland could opt to exercise caution with his workload.

Richards (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Spurs.

Richards sprained his ankle Wednesday versus New Orleans but finished the contest, posting 10 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks. He'll miss the first half of a back-to-back set but should have a chance to return Saturday versus the 76ers. Richards has been playing an elevated role in Mark Williams' (back) absence, so P.J. Washington and Nathan Mensah are candidates for increased playing time with Charlotte's top two big men sidelined.

Coach Steve Clifford said Friday that Williams (back) isn't close to returning, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.

The Hornets haven't provided much clarity on Williams' ongoing absence, but it was obvious the big man suffered a setback or two, as he's missed 18 straight games. Barring a return to practice, Williams can be considered week-to-week moving forward. Nick Richards (ankle) should continue to play an elevated role in Williams' absence.

Drummond (back) is probable for Saturday's game against the Grizzlies.

Drummond also carried a probable designation ahead of Thursday's game against the Raptors, but he suited up and tallied five points, four rebounds and a block in 10 minutes. He'll likely be able to play once again Saturday.

Collins (ankle) will start Friday's game against the Hornets, Andrew Lopez of ESPN.com reports.

As expected, Collins will make his first appearance since Dec. 29 and will slide right into the starting lineup, with Victor Wembanyama (rest) ruled out. Across 11 appearances (three starts) before his injury, Collins averaged 11.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 0.9 blocks in 20.8 minutes per game.

Gafford (concussion) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game versus San Antonio.

Gafford is in danger of missing his second straight game while in concussion protocol. If Gafford is ruled out, Marvin Bagley will likely draw another start at center.

Jackson won't play in Friday's game versus the Trail Blazers due to a concussion.

Jackson will miss Friday's game due to a concussion he suffered against Sacramento on Thursday. Jarace Walker is a candidate to receive increased minutes in Jackson's absence. Jackson's next chance to suit up is Sunday's matchup with Phoenix.

Hartenstein ended Thursday's 113-109 victory over the Wizards with six points (3-5 FG), 17 rebounds, three assists, one block and two steals across 39 minutes.

Hartenstein led all players in Thursday's contest in rebounds while adding a trio of assists and a pair of steals, anchoring the Knicks in the paint during a winning effort. Hartenstein has hauled in 15 or more rebounds in seven games this season, including in three of his last five outings.

Bagley ended with 20 points (10-16 FG, 0-5 FT), 11 rebounds, two assists, three blocks and two steals across 39 minutes during Thursday's 113-109 loss to the Knicks.

Bagley made his first appearance with Washington after being traded by Detroit, leading all Wizards in rebounds and blocks while ending as one of two players with 20 or more points in a double-double performance. Bagley matched a season high in rebounds while posting his third game of the year with 20 or more points en route to his second double-double. It's worth noting that starting center Daniel Gafford is currently out with a concussion, but this was a fine start for Bagley as a Wizard nonetheless.

Collins (ankle), who's listed as questionable, is set to return Friday against the Hornets, Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News reports.

Collins is slated to make his first appearance since spraining his right ankle Dec. 29. If he's cleared, Collins figures to slide right into the starting lineup, as Victor Wembanyama (rest) has been ruled out for Friday's contest. Across 11 appearances (three starts) before his injury, Collins averaged 11.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 0.9 blocks in 20.8 minutes per game.