NBA Player News

Carter provided 17 points (6-7 FG, 3-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), five rebounds and two assists across 24 minutes during Sunday's 112-107 loss to the Suns.

After being a late scratch in the previous game, Carter came off the bench, while Goga Bitadze remained the starting center. However, Carter made a strong case to recover his role with the first unit after missing just one shot from the field in 24 minutes. Carter has scored in double digits just three times this season, and the 17-point output was his best mark of the campaign, though he's missed most of the season due to various injuries.

Porzingis closed Sunday's 134-101 win over the Spurs with 14 points (4-14 FG, 0-7 3Pt, 6-6 FT), nine rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal over 30 minutes.

Porzingis returned Sunday after missing the previous game with a calf injury, leading the Celtics in rebounds while finishing one board short of a double-double and as one of six players with a double-digit point total in a winning effort. Porzingis has tallied at least 10 points and eight rebounds in five straight outings and 11 times this year.

Claxton chipped in 15 points (5-11 FG, 5-10 FT), 16 rebounds, five assists, one block and one steal over 37 minutes during Sunday's 124-108 loss to the Thunder.

Claxton could've done a better job in the shooting department, but he was impressive on the glass and delivered his ninth double-double of the season while tying a season-high mark in rebounds. Claxton has four double-doubles over his last five appearances and remains a reliable two-way weapon for the Nets.

Plumlee (knee) is questionable for Monday's game versus the Heat.

Plumlee has been sidelined since he suffered an MCL sprain on Nov. 6, but he logged his first full practice Sunday and is gearing up for a return. Daniel Theis has been holding down the fort as the backup center behind Ivica Zubac in recent weeks, but Plumlee is likely to reclaim that role once he's cleared.

Coach Gregg Popovich said Sunday that he's expecting Collins (ankle) to miss 2-to-4 weeks, Jeff Garcia of KENS 5 San Antonio reports.

This timeline would make Jan. 15 against the Hawks the earliest possible return date, but the Spurs will likely provide more clarity in the coming days. For now, fantasy managers should plan on Collins missing at least the next six games. With Collins out of the lineup Sunday against Boston, Sandro Mamukelashvili played 20 minutes and produced seven points, seven rebounds, four assists and one three-pointer.

Reath (back) is doubtful for Monday's game against the Suns.

Reath is expected to miss a third straight game. Deandre Ayton (knee) also remains out, so the Trail Blazers will rely on a combination of Jabari Walker, Ibou Badji and Moses Brown at center.

Ayton (knee) will not play in Monday's game against the Suns.

Ayton will be sidelined for his fourth straight game and will miss the opportunity to face his former team. The Trail Blazers are simply listing Ayton as out well in advance of games, so that doesn't bode well for his status. He should be considered questionable at best for Wednesday against Dallas. With Duop Reath (back) considered doubtful, Jabari Walker could get another extended look after erupting for 25 points in 30 minutes of Friday's win versus the Spurs.

Carter (knee) is available for Sunday's game versus the Suns and will come off the bench, Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel reports.

Carter was unable to play Friday against the Knicks due to right knee tendinitis, but he'll be back in action Sunday with no reported restrictions. It will be interesting to see how he holds up, and it's worth noting that the Magic have a back-to-back set coming up Tuesday versus the Warriors and Wednesday against the Kings. With Carter coming off the bench, Goga Bitadze will remain in the starting lineup.

Williams (back) is doubtful for Monday's game against Denver.

Williams will likely miss his 11th game in a row, and he remains without a timetable. The Hornets haven't provided an update on his progress, and they continue to slap doubtful tags on the center. Nick Richards should continue to benefit from Williams' absence.

Horford will start versus the Spurs on Sunday, Sean Grande of NBC Sports Boston reports.

The Celtics are missing Jrue Holiday due to an elbow issue, but he's considered day-to-day, so Boston will roll with a more traditional frontcourt Sunday, with Horford sliding into the power forward slot next to Kristaps Porzingis. That will shift Sam Hauser back to the bench.