NBA Player News

Porzingis chipped in 15 points (5-11 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 5-7 FT), 12 rebounds, five assists and one block across 28 minutes during Sunday's 117-109 loss to Cleveland.

The star big man notched his first double-double of the season, though he was blanked from three-point range for the first time this year. With Trae Young (knee) out, Porzingis should have more playmaking responsibilities on his plate for the time being. Porzingis has averaged 18.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.0 blocks in 25.4 minutes per contest over his first five games, but he's failed to reach the 30-minute mark in 2025-26.

Hayes will start in Sunday's game against the Heat, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.

With Deandre Ayton (back) sidelined, Hayes will get the starting nod for the first time this season. The big man has averaged 2.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 16.7 minutes per game across three regular-season appearances thus far.

Claxton tallied 19 points (8-11 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 3-6 FT), seven rebounds, seven assists, one steal and three blocks in 34 minutes during Sunday's 129-105 loss to Philadelphia.

Claxton posted an efficient shooting line and was productive across the board. The 26-year-old ended the contest second on the Nets in scoring behind Cam Thomas' 29 points. Claxton has been far more active at the rim over his last two matchups, totaling four swats and 18 rebounds after averaging 5.3 boards and failing to record a block in his first four games of the season.

Ayton (back) is out for Sunday's game against the Heat.

Ayton will not play in Sunday's contest due to back spasms that arose during Friday's bout against the Grizzlies. Jaxson Hayes figures to see an expanded role at center, while Jarred Vanderbilt could also get extra run to supplement the frontcourt.

The Trail Blazers recalled Hansen from the G League's Rip City Remix on Sunday.

Hansen joined Rip City for practice this weekend, though he'll return to the parent club ahead of Monday's game against the Lakers. The rookie big man has averaged 1.8 points in 5.8 minutes per game across five regular-season appearances so far this season.

Ayton (back) is now questionable for Sunday's game against the Heat, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.

Ayton was originally labeled probable for Sunday's game, but he has now been downgraded to questionable as he continues to deal with tightness and spasms in his back. If he is unable to go, Jaxson Hayes figures to see an expanded role.

Hartenstein logged 14 points (6-7 FG, 2-3 FT), 14 rebounds, eight assists, one block and one steal across 26 minutes during Sunday's 137-106 win over the Pelicans.

The 27-year-old center has never recorded a triple-double, but he might have gotten his first Sunday if the game had been more competitive and the Thunder hadn't pulled starters like Hartenstein with about seven minutes left in the fourth quarter. He had to settle for his third double-double of the season instead, and Hartenstein has racked up double-digit boards in five of seven games to begin the campaign, averaging 10.9 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 63.0 percent from the floor.

Niederhauser (ankle) is available for Monday's game against the Heat, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

Niederhauser missed Friday's game against the Pelicans due to a left ankle sprain, but he will be available for Monday's bout. Niederhauser hasn't seen much of a role to this point, so his availability likely doesn't impact the rotation.

Robinson (injury management) will play in Sunday's game against the Bulls, Ian Begley of SportsNet New York reports.

Robinson will suit up in the front end of the team's back-to-back set, shedding his questionable tag due to left ankle injury management. The big man made his first appearance of the season during Friday's loss in Chicago, during which he posted four points (2-3 FG), 11 rebounds and two assists in 20 minutes.

Nurkic will start in Sunday's game against the Hornets, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

With Walker Kessler (shoulder) sidelined, Nurkic will get the starting nod against his former team. The veteran big man has received consistent playing time off the bench through five regular-season games, averaging 7.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.4 steals across 17.2 minutes per contest.