NBA Player News

Carlson (back) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against Washington.

Carlson will miss an 11th consecutive contest due to a lower-back strain, and he remains without a clear timetable for a return. He can be considered doubtful for Monday's game against the 76ers until Oklahoma City provides an update on his status.

Hartenstein (calf) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Saturday's game against the Wizards.

Hartenstein is set to return from a rest day, which should result in Aaron Wiggins heading back to the second unit. Hartenstein is averaging 9.7 points, 9.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game this season.

Carter (ribs) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Lakers.

Carter remains day-to-day after missing Thursday's game against the Hornets. If Orlando's starting center misses another contest, the Magic will likely lean on Goga Bitadze and Moritz Wagner.

Kalkbrenner supplied 13 points (5-5 FG, 3-3 FT) and five rebounds in 24 minutes during Thursday's 130-111 victory over the Magic.

Kalkbrenner was perfect from both the field and the charity stripe, bringing his season field goal percentage to an impressive 74.6 percent. The rookie center saw 24 minutes of action, marking his highest playing time in a single game since he moved into the starting lineup for an injured Moussa Diabate back on Feb. 20. Kalkbrenner continues to provide steady interior depth for Charlotte, and over his last eight appearances, he is averaging 7.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per contest.

Cardwell racked up nine points (4-8 FG, 1-2 FT), 13 rebounds, three assists and one steal in 21 minutes during Thursday's 139-118 loss to the 76ers.

The rookie big man is still getting his legs back under him from a minutes perspective following a recent 11-game absence due to a left ankle sprain. Cardwell has averaged 8.5 rebounds, 4.5 points and 1.8 assists in 17.0 minutes per tilt in his last four outings, shooting 50.0 percent from the field during this span.

Duren is questionable for Friday's game against the Warriors with right ankle soreness.

This sounds like the Pistons are contemplating a maintenance day for the second leg of this back-to-back set. During Thursday's 117-95 win over the Wizards, the big man finished with 24 points (9-15 FG, 6-8 FT), 11 rebounds and two steals in 25 minutes, but Duren didn't play in the fourth quarter, with coach J.B. Bickerstaff saying the team was just being cautious with a big lead. Paul Reed could see a considerable workload if Duren is unable to give it a go.

Post (foot) is out for Friday's game versus Detroit.

Post will be sidelined for the first leg of this back-to-back set, joining Al Horford (calf) in street clothes. With this news, Omer Yurtseven could step into a larger role in the frontcourt behind Draymond Green and Kristaps Porzingis.

Kleber (back) took part in practice Thursday with the G League's South Bay Lakers, Khobi Price of The California Post reports.

Kleber's involvement in practice is his first notable step forward in his recovery from a lumbar strain, which has kept him out of action for just under two weeks. The Lakers are currently in the midst of a six-game road trip, and it's unclear if the veteran big man will rejoin the team for any of the remaining three contests.

Raynaud finished with 30 points (11-17 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 5-5 FT), four rebounds, two assists and one block over 36 minutes during Thursday's 139-118 loss to Philadelphia.

The 2025 second-round pick poured in 30-plus points for a second straight game, as Raynaud continues to impress in a Kings frontcourt gutted by injuries. Over 15 contests since the All-Star break, the rookie center is averaging 17.7 points, 9.3 boards, 2.1 assists and 0.8 blocks, and he's even started to make a splash as a stretch big, going 5-for-9 from three-point range during his two-game heater. His last trey prior to that came back on Feb. 1.

Zubac will miss the rest of the season with a fractured rib, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports Friday.

Based on the recovery timetable for a fractured rib, the Pacers didn't think Zubac would be 100 percent in time for their remaining regular-season games, and with nothing to play for, they have no incentive to rush him back. Since joining the Pacers, Zubac appeared in just five games with averages of 11.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 23.6 minutes per contest. The veteran big man should have a relatively healthy offseason and be good to go for training camp next season.