NBA Player News

Plumlee finished with 14 points (5-5 FG, 4-7 FT), five rebounds, two assists and three blocks over 28 minutes during Tuesday's 128-117 victory over the Thunder.

With Ivica Zubac (calf) out of action, Plumlee got his first start of the season, and he performed well on both ends of the court with a season-high mark in both scoring and swats. Plumlee played 28 minutes in the victory, while Daniel Theis -- who started the team's previous contest -- logged 20 minutes off the bench. Zubac is expected to be out for at least four weeks, which should give Plumlee an extended chance to make an impact, especially if he can hold onto a starting role. It's probably not wise to bank on this type of defensive performance consistently -- Plumlee came into the game with just one block over his first 10 contests and hasn't averaged a block per game in any season since 2017-18 -- but he's shown in the past that he can be a useful contributor of points, boards and even a smattering of assists when given the opportunity.

Theis isn't in the starting five for Tuesday's game versus the Thunder, Justin Russo of the 'Clip & Roll' podcast reports.

Theis will be replaced by Mason Plumlee in the starting five Tuesday, with Ivica Zubac (calf) out. Theis is averaging 4.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.2 blocks in 15.6 minutes across his last five appearances coming off the bench.

Plumlee is in the starting for Tuesday's game versus the Thunder, Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Plumlee will replace Daniel Theis in the starting five Tuesday, with Ivica Zubac (calf) out. Plumlee is averaging 5.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 14.4 minutes across his first nine appearances this season. However, the veteran big man is expected to remain on a minute restriction.

Badji (hip) is probable for Wednesday's game against the Nets.

Although Badji will likely be available, the Trail Blazers are also expected to get Deandre Ayton (knee) back, which could potentially push Badji out of the rotation.

The Clippers announced Tuesday that Zubac has been diagnosed with a right calf strain and will be re-evaluated in four weeks, Justin Russo of the 'Clip & Roll' podcast reports.

Zubac has already been ruled out for Tuesday's matchup with the Thunder and is now set to miss an extended period due to a right calf strain. Daniel Theis and Mason Plumlee are candidates to receive extended minutes in Zubac's absence. Zubac will likely aim to return to action in mid-February.

Ayton (knee) is probable for Wednesday's game against the Nets.

The probable tag comes as no surprise, as Ayton was able to practice Tuesday, and coach Chauncey Billups expressed optimism that Ayton would be back in the lineup. With Ayton on track to return from an 11-game absence, Duop Reath will likely move back to the bench where his fantasy value could trend down.

Williams (back) won't play in Wednesday's game versus the Pelicans.

Williams hasn't played since Dec. 8 due to a lower back contusion. Nick Richards should continue to start in Williams' absence. Williams' next chance to suit up is Friday's matchup with San Antonio.

Jokic (hip) is active for Tuesday's game against Philadelphia, Derek Bodner of AllPHLY.com reports.

Jokic is joined by Aaron Gordon (heel), Michael Porter (knee), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (back) and Jamal Murray (leg) as active after all were listed as probable throughout Tuesday afternoon. Philadelphia's core rotation will be healthy except for De'Anthony Melton (back).

Porzingis is questionable for Wednesday's game against San Antonio due to right knee inflammation, Keith Smith of Spotrac.com reports.

Porzingis logged a full 32-minute workload in Monday's win over Toronto, with no in-game injury being reported. However, it's likely that the Celtics will be proactive with preserving his health, making his status murky for Wednesday's contest.

Muscala (trade pending) is questionable for Wednesday's game against Minnesota.

Muscala and Danilo Gallinari were traded to Detroit on Sunday in exchange for Isaiah Livers, Marvin Bagley and two second-round picks, but the duo wasn't ready to make their Pistons debut Monday in Washington. Even if Muscala and Gallinari are cleared to play Wednesday, it's unclear how large their respective roles will be.