NBA Player News

Adebayo (hip) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Cavaliers.

Adebayo continues to deal with a bruised left hip and will be unavailable for a third consecutive game and for the fifth time in Miami's last eight matchups. It's not yet clear when he'll be able to return to action, but Orlando Robinson should continue to see increased run in Adebayo's absence.

Carter (finger) is out for Friday's game versus the Pistons.

Carter's absence streak will extend to 17 games Friday as he deals with a fractured third metacarpal in his left hand. His next chance to suit up is Monday's matchup with Cleveland.

Kessler recorded six points (3-7 FG), eight rebounds and one steal across 27 minutes during Wednesday's 147-97 loss to the Mavericks.

Kessler came off the bench for a sixth consecutive game Wednesday and was held to a single-digit scoring total for the third time in his last four appearances, but he remained consistent on the boards. Despite operating as a reserve since returning from a seven-game absence, Kessler has been more productive than he was as a starter, as he's averaged 9.8 points and 8.0 rebounds in 25.7 minutes per game over his last six appearances.

The Trail Blazers assigned Brown to the Rip City Remix of the G League on Thursday.

Brown hasn't played for the Trail Blazers since Nov. 21 despite being available. The 24-year-old guard should receive extended opportunities in the G League.

Vucevic provided 20 points (8-17 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 12 rebounds, three assists and one block across 34 minutes during Wednesday's 111-100 win over Charlotte.

Vucevic led all players in Wednesday's game in rebounds while finishing as one of two Bulls with 20 or more points in a double-double performance. Vucevic has hauled in at least 10 rebounds in 10 games this season, adding 20 or more points in six of those contests.

Richards chipped in six points (2-4 FG, 2-2 FT), 11 rebounds, three blocks and one steal in 28 minutes during Wednesday's 111-100 loss to the Bulls.

Richards made his first start of the 2023-24 season with Mark Williams (back) sidelined, leading all Hornets in rebounds and blocks in a losing effort. Richards has hauled in 10 or more rebounds in three games this season, tallying three or more blocks in two outings.

Jokic racked up 22 points (9-32 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 15 rebounds, 10 assists and one steal across 37 minutes during Wednesday's 111-102 loss to the Clippers.

Although Jokic was the clear leader in the paint, the MVP candidate found little assistance from his supporting cast in the loss. Jamal Murray's return has boosted the team's fortunes, but Jokic has had to do a lot of the heavy lifting with three triple-doubles over the past four games.

Gobert recorded 16 points (7-8 FG, 2-2 FT), 20 rebounds, two assists and two blocks in 30 minutes during Wednesday's 102-94 win over the Spurs.

Gobert led all players in Wednesday's game in rebounds while finishing as one of five Timberwolves with a double-digit point total en route to posting a 15-point, 20-rebound performance. Gobert has hauled in 20 or more rebounds in two games this season, accompanying that with 15 or more points in both contests. Gobert tallied his 32nd game with at least 15 points and 15 rebounds while shooting 80 percent or better, tying Dwight Howard for most such games since the NBA-ABA merger.

Thompson registered one point (1-2 FT), three rebounds and one block in six minutes during Wednesday's 121-111 win over the Magic.

Thompson played fewer than 10 minutes for the third straight game, continuing his disappointing season. As long as the Cavaliers are healthy, Thompson is simply too far down the pecking order to have any chance at playing meaningful minutes. Hence, there is nothing to see here in terms of fantasy value.

Bitadze finished Wednesday's 121-111 loss to Cleveland with six points (3-4 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 0-1 FT), three rebounds, three assists and one block over 25 minutes.

Bitadze didn't offer much in the loss, continuing his recent mediocrity. Although he has been a starter for over a month, he is barely inside the top 120 in standard leagues over that time. Unless fantasy managers are desperate for blocks and rebounds, there are likely better options available on many of waiver wires.