NBA Player News

Gafford (ankle) is probable for Saturday's game against the Lakers.

Gafford is on the injury report with a right ankle sprain, but Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News reported earlier Friday that the big man is expected to play Saturday. The 27-year-old has started 20 of 29 games this season and is averaging 7.7 points and 7.5 rebounds in 20.1 minutes over his past 10 appearances. Gafford's anticipated return to action may cut into Dwight Powell's fantasy appeal.

Cisse (illness) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Lakers.

Cisse is still under the weather, though he was cleared to play in Thursday's win over Golden State. However, he logged just six minutes in that contest, and with Daniel Gafford (ankle) expected to return from a four-game absence, Cisse isn't guaranteed to see meaningful playing time.

Kalkbrenner is listed as probable for Saturday's game against the Wizards due to a right wrist sprain.

The wrist injury is a new concern for Kalkbrenner, though he's still likely to suit up Saturday. Over seven appearances (one start) so far this month, the rookie second-rounder has averaged 8.7 points and 5.9 rebounds in 20.0 minutes per tilt.

Embiid (ankle) is listed as probable for Saturday's game against the Knicks.

Embiid missed Tuesday's loss to the Suns -- the second leg of a back-to-back set -- due to right ankle injury management. However, the star big man was able to shed his probable tag ahead of Thursday's win over Houston, when he dropped 32 points (10-19 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 11-12 FT), 15 rebounds, 10 assists, one block and one steal across 46 minutes. It appears likely he will suit up Saturday, and he'll look to remain hot against New York. Over 10 January appearances, Embiid has averaged 27.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists while shooting 53.7 percent from the field in 33.7 minutes per contest.

Towns is questionable for Saturday's game against the 76ers due to thoracic back spasms.

Towns is at risk of missing his first game since Jan. 2. Over his past 10 appearances, the veteran big man is averaging 17.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.2 steals in 29.8 minutes per contest. If Towns is unable to go Saturday, Mitchell Robinson is likely to step into the starting lineup.

Bagley is out for Saturday's game against the Hornets due to a thoracic strain.

Bagley missed Thursday's loss to Denver with an illness but is now dealing with a different problem. With Tristan Vukcevic (hamstring) out for Saturday, the Wizards could need Will Riley and Justin Champagnie to help pick up some center minutes in small-ball lineups behind Alex Sarr.

Reath is questionable for Friday's game against Toronto with right foot soreness.

Reath was available off the bench for Thursday's win over Miami but ultimately didn't see the floor. With Robert Williams (knee) also iffy for Friday, Yang Hansen could join the Portland frontcourt rotation as the primary backup big man behind Donovan Clingan.

Williams is questionable for Friday's game against Toronto due to left knee injury management.

Portland is deciding whether to give Williams the night off for the second half of its back-to-back set. With Duop Reath (foot) also questionable, rookie first-rounder Yang Hansen could have the opportunity to play the backup center role behind Donovan Clingan.

Gafford (ankle) will play Saturday against the Lakers, Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Gafford, who has missed the past four games for Dallas, did "everything" at Friday's practice, according to coach Jason Kidd. With Gafford set to return, Dwight Powell could see his fantasy appeal shrink after putting up a double-double in 27 minutes against the Warriors on Thursday.

Valanciunas is questionable for Friday's game against the Bucks with his right calf strain.

Valanciunas played in his first game since Dec. 31 on Thursday against Toronto, finishing with 16 points (6-13 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 4-4 FT), nine rebounds and two assists across 22 minutes. This questionable tag does not mean he suffered a setback, as it's common practice for players to get a maintenance day in situations like these, with this being the second leg of a back-to-back set. Zeke Nnaji could find himself with a larger role if Valanciunas is held out.