NBA Player News

Kornet (adductor) is available for Monday's game against the Lakers, Marc D'Amico of the Celtics' official site reports.

As expected, Kornet has been upgraded from probable to available and will make his first appearance since Dec. 12. With Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis both available, Kornet should handle a modest reserve role in Boston's frontcourt.

Coach Joe Mazzulla said Porzingis (ankle) will play Monday against the Lakers, Jared Weiss of The Athletic reports.

Porzingis was listed as questionable, but there was optimism he'd be able to suit up, so his availability doesn't come as a surprise. He's appeared in just five of Boston's last 12 contests, averaging 19.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in 30.0 minutes during that stretch.

Lively (ankle), who's listed as questionable, is expected to play in Monday's game against the Suns, NBA writer Marc Stein reports.

Lively has missed four straight games since spraining his ankle during a Dec. 16 win over Portland. While he'll likely be available, it's unclear if he'll slide right back into the starting lineup, and it's probable he'll have his minutes monitored closely for at least a few games.

The Celtics have optimism that Porzingis (ankle) will play in Monday's game against the Lakers, John Karalis of BostonSportsJournal.com reports.

Porzingis is listed as questionable and looks like a true game-time decision, and though he'll go through pregame warmups before the Celtics make a call on his availability, he looks as though he's planning to give it a go for the Christmas Day showdown. However, if Porzingis is downgraded to out, Al Horford and Luke Kornet (adductor) would likely see increased minutes.

Porzingis (ankle) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Lakers.

Porzingis was unable to play in Saturday's game due to a left ankle sprain. If he cannot go, Al Horford and Luke Kornet (adductor) could be in line for extra minutes.

Kornet (adductor) is listed as probable for Monday's game against the Lakers.

Kornet has missed the last six games due to a left adductor strain, but he will likely return to the lineup Monday. Kornet has seen inconsistent minutes when he has been available this season and has averaged 3.6 points, 2.6 rebounds and 0.6 assists in 12.6 minutes per game over his last five appearances.

Lively (ankle) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Suns.

Lively has missed the last four games due to a left ankle sprain, but he has a chance to return Monday. However, if the rookie is unable to go, Dwight Powell and Grant Williams will likely continue to carry most of the load at center.

Bamba (illness) is listed as probable for Monday's game against Miami.

Bamba's availability is much more relevant with Joel Embiid (ankle) ruled out Monday. That being said, Paul Reed is likely to start in Embiid's stead, and it's plausible that Philadelphia will turn to a rotation of forwards rather than put Bamba in anything larger than a 5-10 minute role.

Embiid (ankle) will miss Monday's Christmas Day game against Miami, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.

Embiid is dealing with a right ankle sprain and did not travel with the team to Miami, so he'll miss his first contest since Dec. 1. Embiid is undergoing daily treatment with his status undetermined for Wednesday's game versus Orlando. Nicolas Batum (hamstring) is also inactive, so a combination of Paul Reed, Robert Covington and Kelly Oubre will be tasked with filling the frontcourt void on both ends. Philadelphia is 0-3 without Embiid this season.

Collins registered 14 points (6-10 FG, 2-4 3Pt), five rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two steals over 28 minutes during Saturday's 144-119 loss to Dallas.

The Spurs looked overmatched Saturday, and Collins was forced to take on a starting role after Victor Wembanyama was a late scratch due to an ankle injury. Collins posted a solid stat line and rewarded fantasy managers who trusted in him. He's averaging 11.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 0.8 blocks per game in 10 December outings.