NBA Player News

Richards (concussion) is available for Saturday's game versus the Timberwolves.

Richards has been upgraded from questionable to available Saturday after missing the previous six games with a concussion. Richards will likely serve as the backup center to Mark Williams but could be put on a minutes restriction.

Nurkic amassed 31 points (13-22 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 3-5 FT), six rebounds, two assists and one block across 33 minutes before fouling out of Friday's 119-111 loss to Denver.

Nurkic was excellent on both ends of the court and did a good job dealing with Nikola Jokic, but he fouled out late in the fourth quarter when he was handed a flagrant foul for an apparent elbow to Jokic's face. Nurkic was impressive nonetheless, and he didn't have problems handling a more prominent role on offense with both Devin Booker (ankle) and Bradley Beal (back) sidelined.

Poeltl chipped in 12 points (6-9 FG), 12 rebounds, one assist and two blocks across 28 minutes during Friday's 119-106 loss to New York.

Poeltl led all players in Friday's game in rebounds while finishing as the lone Raptors player with a double-double in a home defeat. Poeltl has hauled in 10 or more rebounds in 10 games this season, posting a double-double in nine of those outings.

Jokic amassed 21 points (9-18 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 3-6 FT), five rebounds, 16 assists, two blocks and one steal in 35 minutes during Friday's 119-111 victory over the Suns.

The star big man and MVP candidate is having another season for the ages. He has somehow improved as a playmaker and has handed out 10 or more dimes in three of his last five appearances, as he's taking on the role of being the team's primary facilitator with Jamal Murray (ankle) out. Jokic is averaging a robust triple-double over his last 10 games -- 28.1 points, 12.6 rebounds and 11.0 assists per contest.

Gobert is now listed as questionable for Saturday's game in Charlotte due to left hip soreness, Jace Frederick of St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Gobert is a late addition to the Timberwolves' injury report. If he ultimately sits out, Naz Reid would be the primary beneficiary, Karl-Anthony Towns could see more minutes at center and Kyle Anderson may see extra playing time at power forward. Also, Luka Garza would be an option to enter the rotation for depth minutes. More clarity on Gobert's status should come after he tests things out during pregame warmups.

Gafford ended with 18 points (7-10 FG, 4-7 FT), 11 rebounds, three assists and three blocks across 27 minutes during Friday's 130-125 loss to the Magic.

Gafford was efficient from the field and notched a solid all-around effort, recording his first double-double since Nov. 22 and scoring in double digits for the fourth time across his last six appearances. He holds a secondary role in the offensive scheme behind Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole, but he's a solid two-way player in most fantasy formats and should be a good source of points, rebounds and blocks in category-based schemes.

Horford recorded 20 points (7-9 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 4-4 FT), six rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal across 33 minutes during Friday's 125-119 victory over the 76ers.

With Kristaps Porzingis (calf) missing his third straight game, Horford got another start and responded with a season-high scoring effort. The 37-year-old has scored in double digits only five times this season, but those performances have all come within his last eight games -- a stretch in which he's averaging 10.8 points, 7.3 boards, 3.5 assists, 2.1 threes and 1.6 blocks while shooting 57.1 percent from the floor and 44.7 percent from beyond the arc.

Bassey contributed eight points (4-4 FG), 11 rebounds, three assists and three blocks in 19 minutes during Friday's 121-106 loss to New Orleans.

Spurs standout rookie Victor Wembanyama (hip) didn't play Friday, opening more of an opportunity for Bassey to get on the court. His 19 minutes were a season high, and Bassey responded with a strong performance that included a team-high 11 rebounds and three blocked shots. Bassey came into the contest averaging just 10.3 minutes per game, and despite Friday's strong effort, he'll likely return to that level of playing time when Wembanyama is able to return.

Valanciunas chipped in 24 points (9-12 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 6-7 FT), 12 rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal in 31 minutes during Friday's 121-106 win over the Spurs.

Valanciunas was the only player on either team to reach the 20-point mark in the contest, and he did so on a healthy 9-for-12 shooting line. The big man added a game-high 12 boards to notch his eighth double-double of the campaign. Valanciunas has seen his scoring output drop overall this season, but he's been impressive over his past two games, averaging 21.5 points while shooting 81.0 percent (17-of-21) from the field.

Carter (finger) will not play in Saturday's game against the Nets.

This will be the 15th game in a row on the shelf for Carter, though he's believed to be getting closer to a return. His next chance to play will be Wednesday against the Cavaliers.