NBA Player News

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.

McGee is questionable for Friday's game against the Suns due to right wrist irritation.

McGee has averaged 7.0 minutes per game in December, so his status won't have many fantasy implications.

Nurkic will not play in Friday's game against the Kings due to personal reasons.

With Nurkic away from the team, the Suns will need to rely on Drew Eubanks and Chimezie Metu in the frontcourt. They could also choose to roll with some smaller lineups. Nurkic has had a strong December, posting averages of 14.6 points, 12.1 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 0.9 blocks. It's unclear if he'll be back for Monday's game against Dallas on Christmas.

Collins will move back to the bench for Thursday's game against the Bulls.

Victor Wembanyama is back with the starters after missing Tuesday's game with a minor ankle issue. Collins fared really well as a starter Tuesday, scoring 22 points with eight rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal in 29 minutes.

Valanciunas (illness) is available to face the Cavaliers on Thursday.

The Pelicans will be shorthanded in the frontcourt Thursday, but having Valanciunas and Herbert Jones (illness) available will be a huge boost for the team on both ends of the court. Valanciunas has been a regular starter for the Pelicans this season and should remain in that role given his availability. He's averaging 18.0 points and 12.2 rebounds per game over his last nine games while posting eight double-doubles in that span.

Turner (hamstrings) will play in Thursday's game against Memphis,Jeremiah Johnson of Bally Sports Indiana reports.

Turner returned from a one-game absence Wednesday against the Hornets and looked sharp, scoring 18 points in 25 minutes. He was carrying a questionable tag into Thursday, with this game being the second leg of a back-to-back set, but it sounds like his hamstrings are holding up well.

Zeller (ankle) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Cavaliers.

Zeller was deemed questionable for Thursday's matchup due to a right ankle sprain and will be unable to suit up. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl could see a few additional minutes Thursday, while Zeller's next chance to return will be Saturday against Houston.

Valanciunas (illness) is considered a game-time decision for Thursday's matchup against the Cavaliers, Christian Clark of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Valanciunas is officially questionable for Thursday's game due to a non-COVID illness, and the Pelicans will presumably wait to see how he feels after pregame warmups before determining his status. If he's unavailable, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl is a candidate to see more playing time.

Lively (ankle) won't play in Friday's game versus the Rockets, NBA writer Marc Stein reports.

Lively will miss his third straight game Friday due to a left ankle sprain. Dwight Powell will likely continue to start in the rookie center's absence. Lively's next chance to suit up is Saturday's matchup with San Antonio.

Len (ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Frankie Cartoscelli of KHTK Sactown Sports 1140 reports.

Len hasn't played since Nov. 13 due to a right ankle sprain. While the veteran forward isn't expected to see game action for at least another week, his return to practice is a good sign of his availability in the near future.