NBA Player News

Bamba is listed as questionable for Friday's game versus the Raptors due to an illness.

Bamba is in danger of missing Friday's contest after being a late addition to the injury report. However, the 25-year-old center has been an inconsistent part of Philadelphia's rotation, so his potential absence shouldn't have an impact on fantasy.

Jones ended with two points (1-1 FG) and one rebound in four minutes during Thursday's 123-104 loss to the Pelicans.

Jones hasn't been part of Cleveland's rotation this season, but he saw a few minutes of playing time during Thursday's blowout loss. He's played double-digit minutes in just three of his 12 appearances this year and is unlikely to see his role increase unless the Cavaliers deal with even more absences at some point.

Thompson racked up six points (3-5 FG), seven rebounds and three assists across 21 minutes during Thursday's 123-104 loss to the Pelicans.

While Thompson was unable to score in double figures for a second consecutive game Thursday, he posted his second-highest rebound total of the season as part of a well-rounded stat line. With Evan Mobley (knee) sidelined, Thompson has played double-digit minutes off the bench in seven of the Cavaliers' last eight matchups. During that time, he averaged 5.6 points and 5.4 rebounds in 16.3 minutes per game.

Bitadze didn't appear in Thursday's 118-114 loss to the Bucks due to a coach's decision.

Bitadze saw a run of 20 consecutive starts come to an end Wednesday against the Heat when Wendell Carter returned to action. Bitadze tallied just four points, six rebounds, two blocks and an assist in 12 minutes during that matchup and didn't see any playing time during Thursday's defeat. While Bitadze had some flashes of production in his starting role, he'll likely be on the fringes of Orlando's frontcourt rotation now that Carter is back on the court.

Drummond ended Thursday's 114-95 win over San Antonio with 12 points (5-10 FG, 2-3 FT), eight rebounds, one assist, two blocks and five steals across 19 minutes.

Drummond's path to a more significant role is blocked by Nikola Vucevic. Still, there's no question the big man made his presence felt Thursday, putting up solid numbers on both ends of the court and filling out the stat sheet as he often did when he was a regular starter with the Pistons only a few seasons ago. The lack of steady minutes conspires against Drummond's upside, but he can be worth a flyer as a streaming alternative in some formats, though it'll always depend on the matchup.

Collins closed with 14 points (5-10 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), nine rebounds, two assists and three blocks in 28 minutes during Thursday's 114-95 loss to the Bulls.

Collins had to play off the bench with Victor Wembanyama back in the starting lineup, but the big man made his mark and finished just one rebound shy of posting what would've been his third double-double of the year. Collins has been productive regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench, scoring in double digits in eight of his last 10 outings and averaging 11.3 points with 5.9 rebounds per contest in that span.

Wagner racked up 21 points (10-15 FG, 1-4 3Pt), eight rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal over 27 minutes during Thursday's 118-114 loss to the Bucks.

After recording double-digit points in 10 straight games between Nov. 17 and Dec. 6, Wagner came into Thursday averaging just 6.2 points over his previous five contests. That was partly due to a reduction in playing time, but the big man essentially forced his way onto the court against Milwaukee with an efficient 10-for-15, 21-point effort to lead Orlando's second unit. Meanwhile, Goga Bitadze didn't play at all after working as the team's starting center during Wendell Carter's recent 20-game absence. Carter has started both of the Magic's games since returning Wednesday, so Wagner and Bitadze may ultimately have to split backup minutes, though Thursday's rotation suggests that coach Jamahl Mosley may elect to roll with whoever is exhibiting a hot hand.

Lopez accumulated 14 points (5-7 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), seven rebounds, two blocks and two steals over 37 minutes during Thursday's 118-114 win over the Magic.

Lopez took just seven shots over 37 minutes of action, but he still posted a useful scoring output since he was able to knock down five of the attempts. That total included a pair of three-pointers, as Lopez bounced back well after going 0-for-5 from deep against the Spurs in his previous game. The veteran center added two blocks to his ledger Thursday, giving him multiple swats in 19 of his 28 contests on the campaign. Lopez is tied for first in the NBA with 3.0 blocked shots per game this season.

Towns left Thursday's game against the Lakers in the fourth quarter with an apparent knee injury, Charlie Walton of ZoneCoverage.com reports. He posted 21 points (7-16 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 5-6 FT), six rebounds, four assists and one steal across 33 minutes prior to exiting the game.

Towns limped off the court in the final stages of the game and appeared to be holding his left knee. He didn't appear to be able to bend his knee at all, and he could be sent in for further testing as Minnesota looks to determine the extent of his injury. Until the team provides an update on his status and a diagnosis for his injury, Towns should be considered questionable for Saturday's game against the Kings.

Bagley racked up 22 points (10-12 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and five rebounds over 31 minutes during Thursday's 119-111 loss to Utah.

Bagley finished as one of three Pistons with 20 or more points while collecting a handful of rebounds in a losing effort. Bagley tied a season-high scoring mark, a total he also tallied Nov. 14 against Atlanta. Bagley has recorded at least 10 points and five rebounds in two of his last three contests.