NBA Player News

Bagley was unable to return to Friday's 123-91 loss to the Magic after developing back spasms. He finished with nine points (4-7 FG, 1-2 FT), five rebounds and four turnovers in 23 minutes.

The Pistons deemed Bagley as questionable to return after he visited the locker room to get his back checked out, but the team didn't provide an update on his status and he remained out for the final 18 minutes of the game. Bagley drew the start at center in place of Jalen Duren (ankle) on Friday, but he failed to make the most of it. If Bagley is unable to play Monday against the Pacers, the Pistons could turn to James Wiseman as their starting center or push Isaiah Stewart over from power forward to center.

Bagley is questionable to return to Friday's game against the Magic due to back spasms, Mike Curtis of The Detroit News reports.

Bagley drew the start for Jalen Duren (ankle) on Friday but played 23 minutes before heading to the locker room with his back issue. Considering the lopsided score when Bagley left the game, there's a good chance his night is done.

Theis (illness) won't play in Friday's game against the Jazz, independent NBA writer Justin Russo reports.

Theis was previously considered questionable, so he'll be day-to-day going forward with his next chance to play coming on Monday against the Trail Blazers. With Theis out, the Clippers could turn to P.J. Tucker or Kobe Brown as their backup center.

Ayton (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Dallas, Danny Marang of 1080 The Fan Portland reports.

Ayton was carrying a doubtful tag prior to this update, so it's not a surprise to see him miss his second straight contest. Duop Reath started in Ayton's absence Wednesday against the Warriors and produced 10 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal, one block and one three-pointer in 22 minutes. Ayton's next chance to play is Monday against the Clippers.

Horford won't start Friday's game against the Knicks.

As expected, Horford will head back to the bench in favor of Kristaps Porzingis, who's returning to action following a four-game absence due to a calf injury. As a reserve, Horford has averaged 6.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 22.6 minutes per game.

Collins won't start Friday's game versus the Bulls, independent NBA writer Matthew Tynan reports.

Collins will operate off the bench for the first time this season, and Victor Wembanyama will get his first crack as the starting center. After a hot start to the season, Collins has cooled off recently, but he should still see plenty of minutes as a reserve.

Looney is in the Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area for Friday's game versus the Thunder,

Looney will start for the second straight game ahead of Dario Saric. Looney has started in 18 of his previous 21 appearances and is averaging 5.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 22.8 minutes across those starts.

Bagley will start Friday's game versus the Magic.

With Jalen Duren (ankle) sidelined, Bagley will draw his seventh start of the season. Over his previous six starts, Bagley has averaged 13.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.2 blocks in 25.0 minutes per game. Duren is expected to miss multiple weeks, but Detroit may shake up its first unit during that stretch, with Jaden Ivey and James Wiseman as other starting options.

Porter agreed to a two-way deal Friday with the Raptors, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.

Porter will occupy the third and final two-way roster spot that opened up after the Raptors waived Ron Harper (shoulder) on Friday. A 24-year-old center, Porter opened the 2023-24 season with the Motor City Cruise of the G League but will split time between the Raptors and the G League's Raptors 905 moving forward.

Richards won't start Friday's game against the Raptors, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Richards will shift back to the bench with Mark Williams (back) available. Across 12 appearances as a reserve, Richards has averaged 8.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 16.8 minutes per game.