NBA Player News

Boucher (quad) is available for Wednesday's game against the Hawks, Aaron Rose of SI.com reports.

Boucher suffered a left quad contusion during Monday's loss to the Knicks and didn't practice Tuesday, but he'll still suit up Wednesday. Boucher has appeared in 16 straight games, averaging 6.8 points and 3.4 rebounds in 14.3 minutes during that stretch.

Williams (back) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Heat.

As expected, Williams has been downgraded from doubtful to out and will miss a second straight game. With Williams banged up, Nick Richards has played at least 26 minutes in three straight appearances (two starts), averaging 9.0 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.0 blocks during that stretch. Williams' next chance to suit up will come Friday versus New Orleans.

Gafford (hip) is available for Wednesday's game against the Pelicans, Josh Robbins of The Athletic reports.

Gafford missed Monday's game against the 76ers due to a right hip contusion, but he was questionable ahead of Wednesday's matchup and has been cleared to return to action. Over his last five appearances, he's averaged 10.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 25.0 minutes per game.

Gibson signed a one-year contract with the Knicks on Wednesday, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.

Gibson spent the 2022-23 campaign with the Wizards, but before that, he had a three-year stint in New York, where he averaged 5.3 points and 4.8 rebounds in 18.5 minutes per game over 159 appearances. While he played a career-low 9.8 minutes per game in Washington, Gibson has plenty of experience playing under coach Tom Thibodeau and will provide frontcourt depth for the Knicks, who will be without Mitchell Robinson (ankle) for several weeks. Dylan Windler was waived by New York to make room on the roster.

Eubanks recorded three points (1-1 FG, 1-1 FT), six rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal over 17 minutes during Tuesday's 119-116 win over the Warriors.

Eubanks has played at least 15 minutes in seven straight games, averaging 4.3 points and 4.7 rebounds in 16.7 minutes during that stretch. The backup big man has a consistent role but doesn't have fantasy upside as long as Jusuf Nurkic is available. Eubanks hasn't scored in double figures since Nov. 17, but he has blocked multiple shots in a game three times over his last 10 appearances.

Jordan ended with nine points (2-4 FG, 5-10 FT), 10 rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal in 25 minutes during Tuesday's 114-106 win over Chicago.

Nikola Jokic was ejected in the first half, so Jordan saw extended playing time and made the most of it. The 35-year-old backup has been solid when given an opportunity this season, but his production is correlated to Jokic's availability.

Carter (finger) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice, Dan Savage of the Magic's official site reports.

Carter hasn't played since Nov. 2 due to a fractured finger, but his return to practice, albeit in a limited fashion, is a positive step forward. Per Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel, Carter said he's "85-90 percent," so he'll likely log a few more practices before getting cleared for game action. Boston ends Week 8 with back-to-back games in Boston on Friday and Sunday, but it's unclear if Carter will be ready by then.

Kessler (foot) is probable for Wednesday's game against the Knicks.

Kessler has been upgraded from questionable to probable and will likely return from a one-game absence due to right foot soreness. He started a Dec. 8 loss to the Clippers, totaling eight points, 12 rebounds, five blocks and two steals, but he had come off the bench in his previous six appearances, averaging 9.8 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.5 blocks during that stretch.

Nurkic produced 17 points (3-9 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 10-11 FT), 13 rebounds, seven assists and one steal across 31 minutes during Tuesday's 119-116 win over the Warriors.

Although Nurkic appeared to sustain an injury in the third quarter, he quickly returned to action and showed no ill effects. Nurkic's play has helped the Suns amid Kevin Durant's (ankle) absence, with an average of 16 points and 11 rebounds over the past two games.

Vucevic chipped in 26 points (12-21 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 1-1 FT), 16 rebounds, five assists and two blocks in 33 minutes during Tuesday's 114-106 loss to Denver.

Vucevic has no problem stepping his game up whenever DeMar DeRozan or Zach LaVine (foot) is sidelined. Since the latter is dealing with a foot injury, the big man has emerged as a reliable second option on offense. Over his last five games, Vucevic is averaging 18.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.2 blocks per game.