NBA Player News

Valanciunas will be re-evaluated in four weeks due to a right calf strain that he suffered during the Nuggets' 106-103 win over the Raptors on Wednesday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

The Nuggets are now down both of their top big men, with Valanciunas joining Nikola Jokic (knee) on the shelf. Valanciunas made his first start of the season Wednesday and was slated to take on a larger role in the absence of Jokic, but with both of them now sidelined, the Nuggets will turn to DaRon Holmes and Zeke Nnaji to fill in the gap at center.

Kalkbrenner (elbow) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Bucks.

Kalkbrenner will miss his sixth consecutive contest due to a left elbow sprain, and it's not a positive sign that he continues to be ruled out a day in advance of games. The rookie second-rounder's next opportunity to play will come Saturday against Chicago. With Kalkbrenner sidelined, Moussa Diabate (wrist) is expected to get the starting nod if he can shake his questionable tag, while PJ Hall is likely to remain in the rotation.

Sengun (calf) is available for Thursday's game against the Nets.

Sengun will shed his questionable tag and return from a two-game absence due to a left soleus strain. Over nine appearances in December, the star big man averaged 23.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.3 blocks in 34.7 minutes per tilt. He shot 53.4 percent from the floor during that span.

Boucher (personal) is available for Thursday's game against the Kings.

After being away from the team for three games in a row, Boucher has rejoined the Celtics after tending to a personal matter. The 32-year-old center offers Boston some frontcourt depth, though it appears Luka Garza is gaining a grip on the backup role behind Neemias Queta.

Wembanyama's MRI on his left knee came back clean, though he will not travel with the Spurs for Friday's game against Indiana, Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com reports.

Wembanyama hyperextended his left knee in Wednesday's win over the Knicks and will stay in San Antonio to receive additional care Friday. Although the star big man is set to miss Friday's road matchup at the very least, Wright relayed that Wembanyama is likely to be listed as questionable for Saturday's home game against the Trail Blazers. With the 21-year-old unavailable against Indiana, Luke Kornet will likely get the starting nod, while Jeremy Sochan and Kelly Olynyk are also candidates for increased playing time.

Robinson (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game against the Hawks.

Robinson is in jeopardy of missing a third consecutive contest due to left ankle injury management. Ariel Hukporti would play the backup center role behind Karl-Anthony Towns if Robinson remains out.

Capela (illness) is out for Thursday's game against the Nets, Sharif Phillips-Keaton of USA Today reports.

The veteran center can be labeled day-to-day ahead of Saturday's showdown with the Mavericks. Alperen Sengun's (foot) status takes on even greater importance Thursday, with Steven Adams (ankle) already ruled out as well.

Adams (ankle) won't play in Thursday's game against the Nets, Sharif Phillips-Keaton of USA Today reports.

After spraining his right ankle during Monday's 126-119 win over the Pacers, Adams is unable to play Thursday. The veteran big man can be deemed day-to-day for the time being. Dorian Finney-Smith and Josh Okogie could see a bump in minutes, but it may not be enough to warrant very much streaming upside.

Hartenstein (calf) will not play Friday against the Warriors.

Hartenstein will be sidelined for a third straight game Friday, and he continues to be ruled out a day in advance of games. His next chance to play comes Sunday against the Suns.

Valanciunas (calf) won't play Friday against the Cavaliers.

It's not a surprise to see this news after Valanciunas left Wednesday's game early with a calf strain, although the severity of the issue remains unclear. With Nikola Jokic (knee) already out for several weeks, the Nuggets will need guys like DaRon Holmes and Zeke Nnaji to step up.