NBA Player News

Len (ankle) is available for Tuesday's matchup against Portland.

Len is available for the first time since Nov. 13. JaVale McGee was operating as the primary backup to Domantas Sabonis in Len's absence. In six appearances, Len has averaged 2.5 points and 2.7 rebounds in 7.0 minutes, so his availability shouldn't impact Sacramento's rotation.

Lively (ankle) recorded 20 points (8-9 FG, 4-9 FT), 10 rebounds and one assist across 32 minutes during Monday's 128-114 victory over Phoenix.

In his return from a four-game absence due to a sprained ankle, Lively reclaimed his spot in the starting five and didn't seem to miss a beat. He turned in a highly efficient performance from the field and secured his fifth double-double of the season, though the lack of blocks and poor free-throw shooting lessened the overall impact of his strong contributions elsewhere. Regardless, fantasy managers are likely happy to see a productive outing from the rookie center in his first game back, and he faced no obvious playing-time restriction.

Porzingis gifted 28 points (11-19 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 4-7 FT), 11 rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal in 35 minutes during Monday's 126-115 holiday road win over the Lakers.

The Unicorn did not look hobbled by the ankle issue that forced him to miss Saturday's game. Porzingis played great defense, hit the boards and shot efficiently from the field, helping the Celtics finish this recent road trip with a 3-1 record. In fact, Porzingis seemed to enjoy the Christmas spotlight. Perhaps his calf and ankle injuries are behind him. Boston now heads home to face the struggling Pistons on Thursday.

Looney recorded four points (2-3 FG), three rebounds and two assists across 22 minutes during Monday's 120-114 loss to the Nuggets.

Looney struggled again in the loss, continuing his poor season. Despite starting the majority of Golden State's games, he has barely been a top 200 player to this point. When Draymond Green eventually returns from his suspension, Looney could see his role reduced even further than it already has. Outside of limited appeal as a rebounds streamer, Looney does not belong on a standard-league roster.

Len (ankle) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's game against Portland.

Len has been out since Nov. 13 due to a high-ankle sprain, but rising to a questionable designation indicates that he's nearing a return. JaVale McGee has filled in admirably since Len's injury, improving Sacramento's defensive rating by 4.3 points per 100 possessions when he's on the court, although he's averaged just 4.7 points and 1.5 rebounds in 7.5 minutes across his last six appearances. Len's box score production won't turn heads either, but his familiarity with Sacramento's offensive system and ability to offer backup rim protection will be a relevant return for Sacramento's frontcourt.

Adebayo finished with 26 points (9-15 FG, 8-12 FT), 15 rebounds, five assists and three blocks over 36 minutes in Monday's 119-113 victory over Philadelphia.

Adebayo led all players in Monday's Christmas Day battle in rebounds while leading the Heat in blocks and tying a team high in assists in a double-double performance. Adebayo, who was one of three Miami players with 20 or more points in the win, has notched at least 20 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in six games this year.

Bamba tallied 18 points (7-8 FG, 3-3 3Pt, 1-2 FT), six rebounds, two assists and two steals over 25 minutes in Monday's 119-113 loss to Miami.

Bamba led all bench players in Monday's Christmas Day contest in points and rebounds while recording a pair of steals and ending two points short of the 20-point mark. Bamba recorded a season high in scoring while reaching double digits for the first time this year. He also hauled in a season-high-tying rebound total, a mark he accomplished two other times this season.

Lively (ankle) will play Monday versus Phoenix.

Lively will officially return from a four-game absence due to a sprained ankle. His availability was the expected outcome, but it remains unclear if he'll return to a full workload immediately.

Williams (back) is doubtful to play Tuesday versus the Clippers.

Dealing with a contusion in his lower back, Williams appears likely to miss an eighth consecutive contest Tuesday. Nick Richards has averaged 8.9 points and 8.4 rebounds in 29.1 minutes per game while starting throughout Williams' ongoing absence.

Ayton is questionable to play Tuesday against Sacramento due to right knee tendonitis.

Ayton had a three-game absence due to right knee soreness from Dec. 6 through Dec. 11, which makes his status murky for Tuesday. Ayton has boomed on huge volume despite shooting just 43.1 percent from the field over his last three games, averaging 17.3 points and 12.3 rebounds on 17.0 shots. If he's unable to suit up Tuesday, the precedent has been for Duop Reath to step into the starting lineup.