NBA Player News

Carter (knee) won't play in Friday's game versus the Heat.

Carter's absence streak will extend to five games Friday due to a knee injury. His next chance to suit up is Saturday's matchup with the Thunder. Goga Bitadze and Moritz Wagner should continue to play increased roles in Orlando's frontcourt until Carter is cleared to play.

Horford (rest) isn't on the injury report for Saturday's game versus the Rockets, Jay King of The Athletic reports.

Horford will return to action Saturday after sitting out Boston's previous contest for rest purposes. The veteran big man should continue to serve as the Celtics' backup center to Kristaps Porzingis.

Lively (ankle) is questionable for Saturday's game versus the Pelicans, NBA writer Marc Stein reports.

Lively has missed Dallas' last four contests with a left ankle sprain. However, the rookie center's upgraded status is a good sign that he is nearing a return.

Ayton (knee) is doubtful for Friday's game against the Timberwolves.

Despite optimism about his availability, Ayton will likely miss a 10th straight game due to right knee tendinitis. Duop Reath and Ibou Badji should continue to see increased roles until Ayton is cleared to suit up.

Reath closed Thursday's 139-77 loss to the Thunder with eight points (3-9 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 1-2 FT), seven rebounds, two assists and one block across 24 minutes.

Reath started for the fourth game in a row and finished just two points and three rebounds away from a double-double, though, in reality, he would've probably posted those numbers if the game hadn't been decided by the end of the second quarter. Reath has been serviceable in a starting role, but he should return to his regular bench spot if Deandre Ayton (knee) returns Friday to face the Timberwolves.

The Clippers recalled Plumlee from the G League's Ontario Clippers on Wednesday.

Plumlee had a brief stint in the G League while working his way back from a lengthy absence due to an MCL sprain. However, the veteran big man will join the NBA squad and should compete with Daniel Theis for backup center minutes behind Ivica Zubac.

Ayton (knee) could be available for Friday's game against the Timberwolves, Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian reports.

Ayton has missed the last nine matchups due to right knee tendinitis, but coach Chauncey Billups hopes the center will be back in action against Minnesota. It's unclear whether Ayton would have any limitations if he's given the green light Friday, but his presence would provide a boost to a team that has struggled in his absence, most recently suffering a 139-77 loss at the hands of the Thunder on Thursday. If Ayton can return, Duop Reath and Ibou Badji would likely see their roles decline.

Porzingis totaled six points (3-9 FG, 0-3 3Pt), two rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal over 21 minutes during Thursday's 135-102 loss to the Bucks.

Porzingis returned after missing Boston's previous game with a knee injury. He saw limited time on the court due to the blowout nature of the game but managed to record a half-dozen points along with a team-high-tying assist total. Porzingis has dished out four or more assists in three games so far this season.

Hartenstein closed Thursday's 128-124 loss to Dallas with eight points (2-3 FG, 4-4 FT), 15 rebounds, three assists and one steal in 32 minutes.

Hartenstein has been a monster on the boards of late, tallying at least 14 rebounds in four of his past five contests. Though he's averaging a modest 9.6 points during that span, the big man has offered strong defensive numbers with 2.0 steals and 2.0 swats and has also shot a hearty 70.4 percent from the field. The Knicks initially struggled to find a starting center after Mitchell Robinson (ankle) was injured in early December, but Hartenstein appears to have a stranglehold on that role with his standout recent play.

Allen racked up 12 points (3-5 FG, 6-6 FT), 12 rebounds, four assists, four blocks and two steals in 38 minutes during Thursday's 111-102 victory over the Nets.

Allen led all players in Thursday's contest in blocks while reeling in a team-high-tying rebound mark and ending as one of five Cavaliers with a double-digit point total in a double-double performance. Allen has recorded a double-double in eight straight contests and posted his second game of the season with four or more blocks.