NBA Player News

McGee (wrist) is available for Friday's game against the Suns.

McGee was carrying a questionable tag prior to this update. He's averaging just 7.0 minutes per game in December and is just an emergency depth option for Sacramento.

Towns (knee) is out for Saturday's matchup against the Kings, Dane Moore of 'The Dane Moore NBA Podcast' reports.

Towns left Thursday's win over the Lakers late in the fourth quarter, limping and holding his left knee. The injury is being described as just soreness, so it appears the big man has avoided something serious. Saturday's absence will mark Towns' first of the campaign. In his stead, more minutes should be available for Naz Reid, Kyle Anderson, Jaden McDaniels and other frontcourt options.

Zeller (ankle) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game versus the Rockets.

Zeller is in danger of missing his second straight game Saturday due to a right ankle sprain. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl will likely continue to receive backup center minutes if Zeller is ruled out.

Bamba (illness) has been ruled out for Friday's game versus the Raptors, Justin Grasso of SI.com reports.

Bamba has been downgraded from questionable to out Friday due to a non-COVID illness. His next chance to suit up is Monday's matchup with the Heat.

Yurtseven (illness) isn't listed on the injury report ahead of Saturday's matchup in Toronto.

Yurtseven missed four straight games due to an illness but will return to action versus the Raptors. However, with Utah's frontcourt at full strength, it's unclear what type of role Yurtseven will play. He started six straight games from Nov. 25 through Dec. 6, averaging 6.0 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 21.0 minutes per game, but across 12 appearances off the bench, Yurtseven has mustered just 3.6 points and 2.9 rebounds in 8.5 minutes per game.

Williams (back) is doubtful for Saturday's game against the Nuggets.

Williams has missed six straight games and has been initially listed as doubtful each time. He'll likely remain sidelined again Saturday, allowing Nick Richards to draw another start. Williams' next chance to suit up will come Tuesday versus the Clippers.

Duren (ankle) is doubtful for Saturday's game against the Nets.

Duren hasn't played since Dec. 6, and the Pistons announced Dec. 10 that he'd be re-evaluated in two weeks. He resumed light on-court work this week and appears to be nearing a return, but Duren will likely remain out for at least one more game. Following Saturday's matchup in Brooklyn, Detroit will travel home for a rematch against the Nets on Tuesday. Duren can be considered questionable for that contest until the official injury report drops Monday.

Ayton posted 23 points (10-21 FG, 3-4 FT), 16 rebounds, two assists and one block over 35 minutes during Thursday's 118-117 loss to the Wizards.

It's the second straight double-double for Ayton, who has 12 in 23 games on the year. The 25-year-old center has had a tough first season in Portland, averaging a career-low 13.1 points a game as he struggles to get shots in an offense dominated by its young backcourt, but Ayton's 11.0 boards per game is his best showing on the glass since 2019-20.

Gafford ended with 16 points (7-10 FG, 2-3 FT), eight rebounds, six blocks and four steals across 31 minutes before fouling out of Thursday's 118-117 victory over the Trail Blazers.

The rejections and steals were both season highs for Gafford as he extended his streak of games with multiple blocks to 12. Over that stretch, the 25-year-old center has averaged 12.1 points, 7.6 boards, 2.8 blocks, 2.3 assists and 0.8 steals while shooting 68.6 percent from the floor and a tidy 75.0 percent from the free-throw line.

Gobert racked up 15 points (6-12 FG, 3-6 FT), 13 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal over 37 minutes during Thursday's 118-111 win over the Lakers.

The veteran center produced his first double-double in six games and 17th of the season, and the early exit of Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) may have played a part in boosting Gobert's numbers. The two big men have found some chemistry this season in the Minnesota frontcourt, but if Towns' injury proves to be serious, Gobert's value should see a significant jump.