NBA Player News

Porzingis (calf) isn't listed on the Celtics' injury report for Wednesday's game against the Kings.

Porzingis sat out the first half of the Celtics' back-to-back set Tuesday, allowing Al Horford to start at center in the overtime loss to Golden State. However, Horford is now resting Wednesday, so Porzingis will return to his usual role. With Jayson Tatum (ankle) out, Porzingis may see increased offensive usage versus Sacramento.

Horford has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Kings for rest purposes.

As expected, Horford will take a seat for the second half of a back-to-back set. Kristaps Porzingis (calf) is cleared to return and will presumably start at center, but with Horford, Jayson Tatum (ankle) and Luke Kornet (hip) sidelined, Sam Hauser, Lamar Stevens, Oshae Brissett and Neemias Queta are all candidates for increased roles in Boston's frontcourt. Horford should be back in action Saturday against the Clippers.

Zeller is questionable for Thursday's game versus the Cavaliers due to a right ankle sprain.

It's unclear when Zeller suffered his injury, but it could keep him out of Thursday's contest. With Jonas Valanciunas (illness) also questionable, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl could be in store for extended minutes at center.

Valanciunas is questionable for Thursday's game against the Cavaliers due to a non-COVID illness.

Several players on the Pelicans are dealing with non-COVID illnesses ahead of Thursday's matchup, and Valanciunas' status for the game is in question. He's been on a tear recently with double-doubles in each of his last five appearances, but Cody Zeller (ankle) and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl could see an uptick in playing time if Valanciunas is forced to miss his first game of the season.

Sims is expected to miss 1-to-2 weeks due to the right ankle sprain he suffered in Monday's 114-109 win over the Lakers, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.

Sims was initially deemed questionable for Wednesday's contest against Brooklyn, but the Knicks appear set to hold him out for multiple games while he recovers from the ankle injury. The third-year player has served as the Knicks' starting center for the past five games with Mitchell Robinson (ankle) out for an extended period, but Isaiah Hartenstein had absorbed most of the playing time at the position. The Knicks could choose to deploy Taj Gibson as their new starting center while Sims is out of commission, but Hartenstein should continue to dominate the minutes in any case.

Coach Monty Williams said Wednesday that Duren (ankle) has resumed light court work and will begin a ramp-up process soon, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic reports.

Williams said Monday that Duren hasn't yet resumed practicing, but the center appears to have progressed over the past few days. He'll presumably be sidelined for at least a few more games while he works on regaining his conditioning, but a return in late December or early January seems possible.

Collins supplied 22 points (9-16 FG, 4-7 3Pt), eight rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal in 29 minutes during Tuesday's 132-119 loss to the Bucks.

Collins had to deal with Brook Lopez in the paint, but he delivered impressive results on both ends of the court while emerging as a reliable offensive weapon either from close range or beyond the arc. Collins has surpassed the 15-point mark eight times already, and he should continue to benefit from an expanded role if Victor Wembanyama (ankle) remains sidelined.

Nurkic totaled nine points (4-11 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 13 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two steals over 31 minutes during Tuesday's 109-104 loss to the Trail Blazers.

In the battle of former centers, Deandre Ayton came up with the better number, besting Nurkic in the loss despite his solid rebounding total. The Suns looked a little out of sync in the contest, and the team's ability to get the ball inside to Nurkic was limited by an impressive defensive showing from Portland.

Queta closed Tuesday's 132-126 overtime loss to Golden State with 10 points (5-8 FG), 10 rebounds, one assist and one steal across 21 minutes.

With Kristaps Porzingis (calf) and Luke Kornet (thigh) out, veteran Al Horford and Queta were left as the lone options at center. Queta responded with his first career NBA double-double. He also led the Celtics with a plus-10 point differential. Queta, who is on a two-way contract, is on the roster to attempt to replace the defensive prowess and rebounding of former Celtic Robert Williams. Tuesday's performance was certainly a step in the right direction. With Kornet likely out for Wednesday's matchup in Sacramento, Queta should get another solid chance to see minutes off the bench.

Ayton racked up 16 points (6-18 FG, 4-4 FT), 15 rebounds and three assists across 40 minutes during Tuesday's 109-104 win over the Suns.

The Suns gave Ayton 40 minutes to give it to his former team. His usage has steadily trended up since his return from a four-game absence, and his contribution helped the Trail Blazers, who ended a seven-game skid. Ayton's usage should remain high now that he is completely healthy. The Trail Blazers were forced to play small ball without him, and they've gone 1-3 without him in the lineup.