NBA Player News

Reath will come off the bench for Thursday's game against Utah, Jazz's radio announcer David Locke reports.

This is an expected move for Portland, as Deandre Ayton is starting Thursday after missing the past three games with a knee injury. Reath will likely see minutes in the teens as Ayton's primary backup.

Ayton (knee) is available to face the Jazz on Thursday. He's in the starting lineup, Jazz radio announcer David Locke reports.

Ayton will return and is likely to start after a three-game absence, meaning Duop Reath will move back to the second unit. Ayton should anchor the middle of the paint and will be a contributor on both ends of the court. Ayton is averaging 12.9 points and 10.8 rebounds per game this season.

Ayton (knee) is expected to play Thursday versus the Jazz, Casey Holdahl of the Trail Blazers' official site reports.

Coach Chauncey Billups is anticipating having Ayton back in the starting lineup, but he wants to see him get through warmups first. With Ayton expected back after a three-game absence, Duop Reath will likely return to the second unit for Portland.

Kornet will not play in Thursday's game against the Cavaliers due to left adductor tightness, Jay King of The Athletic reports.

This wasn't reported until after tipoff, so it's possible Kornet aggravated his hip in warmups. It's unclear if he'll be able to suit up Friday against the Magic. Kornet doesn't see the floor much for Boston, as he's averaging 10.8 minutes in four December games.

Porzingis (calf) is available for Thursday's game against Cleveland, Jared Weiss of The Athletic reports.

Porzingis was probable ahead of Thursday's matchup and will officially be able to suit up in the first half of a back-to-back set. Over his last two appearances, he's averaged 21.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 30.5 minutes per game.

Williams (back) is doubtful for Friday's game against the Pelicans.

Williams has missed the last two games due to a lower back contusion, and it appears as though he's on track to be sidelined once again Friday. Nick Richards will likely see increased run once again Friday if Williams is officially ruled out.

Bagley (back) is out for Friday's game versus the 76ers.

Bagley will miss his third straight game Friday due to back spasms. James Wiseman and Isaiah Stewart should continue to receive extended minutes in his absence. Bagley's next chance to suit up is Saturday's matchup with Milwaukee.

Koloko (illness) won't play in Friday's game versus Atlanta.

Koloko has yet to suit up this season while dealing with a respiratory illness. There is no timetable for his return.

Carter (finger) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Boston.

Carter has been sidelined since early November due to a fractured finger, but he practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday. While he'll be forced to miss another game Friday, he recently said he's "85-90 percent," so he appears to be closing in on a return. His next chance to suit up will be in a rematch against the Celtics on Sunday, but it's unclear whether he'll be given the green light by then.

Adebayo (hip) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Bulls, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Adebayo continues to deal with a hip injury and will be unavailable for a sixth consecutive game. He doesn't yet have a timetable to return, but his next opportunity to suit up will be Saturday in a rematch against Chicago. Kevin Love, Orlando Robinson and Thomas Bryant remain candidates to see increased run in Adebayo's absence.