NBA Player News

Gobert (back) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Rockets, Alan Horton of the Timberwolves Radio Network reports.

Gobert will miss a second consecutive game due to a back issue. The veteran big man's absence will likely result in a heavier workload for Naz Reid, Jaylen Clark and Terrence Shannon against the Rockets.

Robinson will be in the starting lineup for the Raptors in Friday's game against the Heat, Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca reports.

Robinson will be a starter for Toronto on Friday when he takes on the team that gave him his first opportunity at the NBA level, the first time he's been in the starting lineup since Dec. 16, 2023. In 20 games this season, the 23-year-old big man has averaged 3.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.0 per game across 10.1 minutes per contest.

Powell (hip) won't play in Friday's game versus the Pelicans.

As expected, Powell was downgraded from doubtful to out Friday after missing Dallas' previous 14 contests due to a right hip strain. However, Powell has returned to practice, and his next chance to suit up will be Sunday's matchup with Golden State.

Vucevic is listed as probable for Saturday's game against the Suns due to right calf soreness.

Vucevic has missed only one outing this season and is expected to play while he deals with calf soreness. Over his last five games, the big man has averaged 14.0 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists across 31.0 minutes per contest. If Vucevic is sidelined, the Bulls will have to rely on Zach Collins at center with Jalen Smith (concussion) on the shelf.

Williams (knee) closed Thursday's 110-102 loss to the Lakers with eight points (4-5 FG), six rebounds, two blocks, two steals and one assist over 25 minutes.

Williams returned to game action after missing the club's last two outings before the All-Star break due to right knee soreness. The big man was efficient while impacting both sides of the court, albeit in a losing effort. Williams recorded at least two steals and two blocks for the second time this season. Moreover, those two steals account for his most swipes in a game since Nov. 12, though the 27-year-old center has appeared in only 20 regular-season games due to a litany of injuries.

Hukporti totaled two points (1-1 FG), five rebounds and one block in 17 minutes in Thursday's 113-111 overtime win over the Bulls.

Hukporti hasn't had consistent playing time this season, but with Precious Achiuwa thrust into the starting lineup Thursday, the rookie also saw an uptick in playing time. Achiuwa getting minutes at power forward with OG Anunoby (foot) and Josh Hart (knee) banged up bodes well for Hukporti getting more opportunities, at least until Mitchell Robinson (ankle) makes his season debut.

Sharpe logged seven points (3-10 FG, 1-2 3Pt), 10 rebounds, four blocks, three assists and one steal in 20 minutes during Thursday's 110-97 loss to the Cavaliers.

Sharpe came three points shy of his fourth double-double of the season Thursday, and he struggled with efficiency while putting up double-digit shot attempts for just the fifth time in the 2024-25 campaign. However, the big man's game- and season-high four blocks across only 20 minutes were the highlight of his night. Sharpe will likely continue to receive fairly consistent playing time off the bench, as he has averaged 9.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.3 blocks and 0.8 steals in 17.5 minutes per game over his last 10 outings. He has shot 59.7 percent from the field in that 10-game span.

Bassey (knee) is listed as probable for Friday's game against Detroit.

Bassey will likely return from a six-game absence Friday due to a sprained MCL in his left knee. The big man will likely compete for playing time with Bismack Biyombo due to Victor Wembanyama (blood clot) having been ruled out for the remainder of the season.

Missi (knee) is listed as available for Friday's game versus the Mavericks.

Missi is set to play Friday despite suffering a right knee hyperextension in New Orlean's final outing before the All-Star break. The rookie center averages 6.1 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 26.8 minutes across his previous 10 appearances.

The Spurs signed Biyombo to a 10-day contract Friday, Paul Garcia of ProjectSpurs.com reports.

The Spurs signed Biyombo to a new 10-day pact after the expiration of his first 10-day contract. The veteran big man's only appearance was a spot start in Thursday's win over Phoenix, during which he recorded eight points (4-4 FG), three rebounds, two assists and one steal in 16 minutes. With Victor Wembanyama (blood clot) on the shelf for the rest of the season, Biyombo is a candidate to earn a contract for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign.