NBA Player News

Okongwu finished with 29 points (11-17 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 12 rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block in 32 minutes during Thursday's 114-111 win over the Cavaliers.

Okongwu led the charge in the scoring column for Atlanta, and his performance was good enough for his best showing of the young season. He also excelled on the glass, snagging double-digit rebounds on the way to a double-double. Okongwu is averaging 15.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists over six games this year.

Williams (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against Memphis, Casey Holdahl of the Trail Blazers' official site reports.

Williams was initially added to the injury report as doubtful due to a left knee injury, so the fact that he's been ruled out is no surprise. Micah Potter and Yang Hansen could pick up a few additional minutes behind starter Donovan Clingan in Williams' absence.

Ighodaro (oblique) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against Denver.

Ighodaro hasn't played since Phoenix's regular-season opener due to a right oblique strain, though he's considered day-to-day ahead of Friday's contest. If the big man is cleared to return, Khaman Maluach and Duop Reath could see fewer minutes.

Matkovic is in the starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Kings.

Matkovic will make his first start of the 2026-27 campaign. DeAndre Jordan has drawn starts at center in each of the Pelicans' last two games for the injured Yves Missi (knee), but it'll be Matkovic who gets a look Thursday. He's had a limited impact off the bench through three games, averaging 5.0 points and 2.3 rebounds in 11.7 minutes.

Jordan won't start Thursday's game against the Kings.

After starting the last two games, the veteran big man will slide to the second unit in favor of Karlo Matkovic. Jordan has yet to make an appearance off the bench this season, as he didn't see the floor in New Orleans' first two games.

Aldama (knee) is listed as doubtful for Friday's game against Houston.

Aldama appears to be making progress in his recovery from right knee surgery, though he's not expected to make his season debut Friday. His eventual return will leave fewer minutes available for guys like Caleb Martin and Moussa Cisse.

Zubac (ankle) is out for Friday's game against the Heat.

The Pacers continue to view the veteran big man as day-to-day due to an ankle sprain. Jay Huff figures to continue to start at center for the Pacers on Friday, while Obi Toppin could see a larger share of the frontcourt minutes.

Sengun (back) is questionable for Friday's game against the Mavericks.

Sengun has a chance to return from a one-game absence with a back issue. If the star big man indeed gets back in the lineup, less playing time will be available at center for Tari Eason and Clint Capela.

Clingan had his team option exercised by the Trail Blazers, the team announced Thursday.

This move locks in Clingan's roster status for the 2027-28 season. He should continue operating as Portland's starting center going forward, though veteran Robert Williams poses a significant threat to Clingan's playing time.

The Trail Blazers exercised their third-year team option on Hansen for the 2027-28 season, the team announced Thursday.

Portland's decision keeps the 2025 first-round pick under contract through the 2027-28 campaign. The 7-foot-1 center remains a developmental piece in the Trail Blazers' frontcourt, where Donovan Clingan currently occupies the starting role. The transaction has no immediate impact on Hansen's fantasy outlook, as his value will depend on his ability to carve out a consistent role in Portland's rotation.