NBA Player News

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.

Bamba (illness) is active for Monday's game against Miami.

Bamba will return from a one-game absence due to illness. The 25-year-old has averaged 5.7 minutes per game across his last six appearances, but he could be in line for a slight uptick in workload with Joel Embiid (ankle) inactive.

Towns (knee) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Thunder.

Towns left Thursday's win late in the fourth quarter and missed Saturday's win over the Kings due to a knee injury. If he remains out Tuesday, Naz Reid, Kyle Anderson and Jaden McDaniels would be candidates for increased roles.

Collins is probable for Tuesday's game against Utah due to left knee soreness, Paul Garcia of ProjectSpurs.com reports.

Collins should be able to play through the soreness, and he may be in line for increased usage again if Victor Wembanyama (ankle) remains out. Over his last six appearances (two starts), Collins has averaged 13.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.2 blocks in 23.2 minutes per game.

Zeller (ankle) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Grizzlies.

Zeller has missed back-to-back games due to an ankle injury. He was listed as questionable ahead of both of those absences, so his questionable tag doesn't offer much optimism. If Zeller is out again, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl should continue to see an expanded bench role.

Duren (ankle) is probable for Tuesday's game against the Nets.

Duren has been sidelined since Dec. 6 and has appeared in just six of Detroit's last 19 games. While he's expected to play Tuesday, Duren will likely face strict restrictions after missing so much time.

Vucevic is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Hawks due to a left adductor contusion.

Vucevic hasn't missed a game since the 2021-22 season. However, if he's sidelined Tuesday, Andre Drummond would presumably be the primary beneficiary, while Terry Taylor, Dalen Terry and Julian Phillips could see some minutes at center as well.

Horford won't start Monday's game against the Lakers, Sean Grande of NBC Sports Boston reports.

Horford made a spot start Saturday due to Kristaps Porzingis' absence, but the latter will be back in action Monday, sending the former to the bench. As a reserve this season (14 appearances), Horford has averaged 6.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 23.1 minutes per game.