NBA Player News

Claxton (rest) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Celtics, Lucas Kaplan of NetsDaily.com reports.

Claxton will sit for the first leg of the Nets' back-to-back set Saturday, but he should be available for Sunday's game against the Hawks. Day'Ron Sharpe will likely serve as Brooklyn's starting center against Boston and should see plenty of minutes due to the absences of Claxton, Trendon Watford (hamstring) and Noah Clowney (ankle).

Sabonis (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Friday's game versus the Suns.

Sabonis is in danger of missing his seventh straight contest Friday due to a strained left hamstring. If he's ultimately downgraded to out yet again, Jonas Valanciunas will likely continue to start at center.

Jemison is listed as questionable for Friday's game versus the Nuggets due to an illness, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.

As a two-way player, Jemison has received inconsistent playing time for the Lakers and is now in danger of missing Friday's contest due to an illness. However, with Jaxson Hayes (knee) out and Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) doubtful, Jemison could receive increased playing time against Denver if he's upgraded to available.

Hayes (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Denver, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.

Hayes will miss his fourth consecutive contest due to a right knee contusion. His next chance to play will come Sunday against the Suns. Christian Koloko and Alex Len are candidates for an uptick in minutes, especially if Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) and/or Trey Jemison (illness) are ruled out.

The Jazz announced Friday that Collins underwent an MRI which confirmed a left lateral ankle sprain, and he will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

Collins suffered his ankle injury during the fourth quarter of Wednesday's game versus the Grizzlies and had already been ruled out Friday. With the 27-year-old big man now set to miss an extended period, KJ Martin, Brice Sensabaugh and Kyle Filipowski are candidates to receive increased playing time.

Claxton finished with 18 points (8-13 FG, 2-4 FT), 14 rebounds, five assists and one steal in 34 minutes during Thursday's 116-110 loss to the Bulls.

Claxton posted his 12th double-double while stuffing the stat sheet in an efficient outing. The big man also set a season-high mark in rebounds. Additionally, Claxton chipped in five assists for the second time in his last five appearances, marking just his third outing on the season dishing out five or more dimes.

Bamba contributed two points (1-3 FG, 0-1 3Pt), eight rebounds, one assist and one block across 26 minutes during Thursday's 113-93 loss to Orlando.

Bamba, who is on a 10-day deal with the Pelicans, now has two games under his belt with his new deal. His production has left a lot to be desired, however. He's shot just 20 percent from the field while averaging 1.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 20.5 minutes per contest.

Capela (personal) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Clippers, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports.

Capela will miss his second consecutive contest due to personal reasons. His next chance to play will come Sunday against Brooklyn. Dominick Barlow and Mouhamed Gueye are candidates for an uptick in playing time due to Capela being sidelined.

Lopez logged 23 points (8-9 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 4-5 FT), four rebounds, five assists, four blocks and one steal across 30 minutes during Thursday's 126-106 win over the Lakers.

For the fourth time this season, Lopez recorded at least 23 points. This was also his seventh game with at least four swats. He's been on a tear over his last 10 games, returning third-round value in nine-category formats with averages of 14.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.4 three-pointers.

Sims chipped in four points (2-2 FG), 11 rebounds and one assist in 18 minutes during Thursday's 126-106 win over the Lakers.

This game was over in a hurry, allowing Sims to enjoy some garbage time to close this game out. As long as Brook Lopez is healthy, there's not much to like about Sims' fantasy appeal -- he's averaging just 15.1 minutes over his last 10 outings.