NBA Player News

Porter chipped in nine points (3-8 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), six rebounds, six assists, two blocks and two steals in 31 minutes during Friday's 145-113 loss to the Jazz.

Porter's increased minutes weren't a result of the lopsided total, as he was involved right away after a slow start from Thaddeus Young. The Missouri product is aptly filling most of the gap left by Jakob Poeltl (ankle), so Porter is a waiver-wire flier to consider for the month of January.

Jordan posted six points (2-2 FG, 2-2 FT), seven rebounds, one assist and one block in 14 minutes during Friday's 125-113 victory over the Pelicans.

Jordan cobbled together another serviceable performance Friday, grabbing at least six rebounds for the fifth straight game. Although he is not even in the rotation on some nights, Jordan provides the Nuggets with a veteran backup behind Nikola Jokic. His fantasy value is basically non-existent outside of streaming him when Jokic is slated to miss time for one reason or another.

Drummond chipped in five points (2-2 FG, 1-2 FT), five rebounds, one assist and one block over 12 minutes during Friday's 140-131 loss to the Warriors.

Drummond's time as a 12-team asset appears to have come to an end, as he logged just 12 minutes in the loss. He had been one of the hottest pickups in fantasy while Nikola Vucevic was sidelined, turning back the clock with some gaudy stat lines. However, with Vucevic fully healthy, Drummond has moved back to a bench role, playing limited minutes as the primary backup. Outside of streaming appeal, Drummond is unlikely to have sustainable value moving forward.

Gobert finished with 24 points (9-11 FG, 6-8 FT), 17 rebounds and two blocks over 29 minutes in Friday's 116-93 win over Portland.

Gobert returned after missing the previous game with a hip injury, leading all players in points and rebounds while adding a pair of blocks. Gobert posted his second-highest point total of the season while reeling in his sixth game with 17 or more rebounds.

Towns posted 23 points (7-8 FG, 3-3 3Pt, 6-7 FT), eight rebounds, two steals and one assist over 28 minutes in Friday's 116-93 win over Portland.

Towns connected on a team-high-tying mark from three while finishing as one of two Timberwolves with 20 or more points, ending two boards short of a double-double in a blowout victory. Towns has recorded three or more made triples 10 times and tallied at least 20 points and eight rebounds in 12 contests this year.

Reath posted 14 points (6-14 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 0-3 FT), six rebounds, one block and one steal over 24 minutes in Friday's 116-93 loss to Minnesota.

Reath started his fifth straight outing, ending as one of four Portland players with 10 or more points while hauling in a half-dozen rebounds in a losing effort. Reath has scored 14 or more points in six games this year while recording at least six rebounds in eight contests.

Badji won't return to Friday's game against Minnesota due to a right hip contusion. He finished with two points (1-1 FG), six rebounds and one block in nine minutes.

Badji has been picking up the backup center minutes behind Duop Reath while Deandre Ayton (knee) has been sidelined. If Badji is forced to miss additional time and if Ayton isn't ready to play in Sunday's game against the Suns, Portland could turn to Jabari Walker as the primary backup to Reath.

Gobert (hip) is available for Friday's game against Portland.

Gobert has the green light to return to the lineup after sitting out Wednesday's game versus Boston. Kyle Anderson filled in admirably for Gobert on Wednesday, scoring 17 points (7-12 FG, 3-4 FT) with eight rebounds, five assists, one block and one steal across 39 minutes.

Capela (Achilles) is available for Friday's game versus the Pacers, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports.

Capela has been upgraded from probable to available Friday after missing Atlanta's previous game with right Achilles soreness. The veteran center will likely replace Onyeka Okongwu in the starting lineup.

Ayton (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Minnesota, Casey Holdahl of the Trail Blazers' official site reports.

As expected, Ayton has been downgraded from doubtful to out and will miss a 10th straight game. Coach Chauncey Billups expressed optimism that Ayton would return Friday before the center was listed as doubtful again, so despite being out, it appears Ayton is nearing a return. His next chance to suit up will come Sunday versus his former team, the Suns.