NBA Player News

Bitadze (concussion) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Pistons.

Bitadze has missed the last five games for the Magic while trying to recover from a concussion. Wendell Carter could see a boost in minutes if the 25-year-old big man cannot get back on the floor against Detroit.

Powell (hip) remains out for Saturday's game against the Celtics.

Powell will miss a fourth straight game Saturday with a hip strain, and his next chance to suit up for the Mavericks arrives Monday against the Wizards. Although the veteran big man's absence against Boston won't have significant fantasy implications, Dallas should lean on Daniel Gafford from the first unit while Maxi Kleber handles the backup center role.

Capela (knee) is probable for Saturday's game against Toronto.

Capela is expected to suit up for Saturday's rematch after missing Thursday's loss to Toronto due to right knee soreness. The veteran big man has averaged 9.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks across 20.6 minutes per game over his last five outings (three starts).

Nurkic (conditioning) is available for Saturday's game versus the Wizards, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports.

Nurkic is set to return Saturday after missing Phoenix's previous seven outings due to an illness and subsequent return-to-play conditioning. Nurkic will likely compete for backup center minutes with Mason Plumlee behind Nick Richards against Washington.

Nurkic (conditioning) participated in Friday's practice, Gerald Bourguet of GoPHNX.com reports.

Nurkic has missed Phoenix's last seven contests due to an illness and then return-to-play conditioning. However, the veteran big man's return to practice is a good sign of his availability for Saturday's game versus the Wizards.

Queta chipped in six points (2-3 FG, 2-2 FT), three assists, two steals, one rebound and one block across nine minutes during Thursday's 117-96 loss to the Lakers.

Queta tied the game-high mark in steals while putting together a respectable outing in his limited run. The 25-year-old has operated in a fairly inconsistent role throughout the season. Over his last five appearances, he has averaged 5.8 points and 2.4 rebounds in 14.2 minutes per contest.

Okongwu posted 19 points (6-8 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 7-8 FT), 12 boards, four assists, two steals and a block in 30 minutes of action during Thursday's 122-119 loss to the Raptors.

The fifth-year big man logged his 10th double-double of the season in the narrow defeat. He's now averaging 14.0 points, 10.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists while shooting 64.0 percent from the field in three games as a starter this season. Although he had earned the starting job from Clint Capela (knee) prior to the latter's injury, Okongwu's volume and, with it, fantasy value, is benefitting nonetheless. Capela is currently considered day-to-day, but even when he comes back, Okongwu can be expected to retain the starting job barring any sudden dips in production.

Poeltl put up 17 points (7-10 FG, 3-3 FT), nine rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks in 28 minutes during Thursday's 122-119 win over the Hawks.

Despite seeing somewhat limited action while splitting minutes with Kelly Olynyk and Chris Boucher, the big man made the most of his time on court as a force to be reckoned with down low all night. He contributed in every aspect of the game, even dishing his third-highest assist mark of the season and matching his second-highest steals total while he was at it. He could see more run in upcoming games since Olynyk was injured and is now day-to-day. Either way, his efficient scoring and tenacious rebounding continue to make him a valuable fantasy option going forward.

Missi (illness) has been upgraded to available for Friday's game against the Grizzlies.

After missing the last two games, Missi will return to the floor for the Pelicans for Friday's game on the road in Memphis. The rookie big man has played well in his first season with New Orleans, averaging 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.4 blocks per game, shooting 56.3 percent from the field.

Clingan (ankle) is listed as probable for Friday's game versus the Hornets.

Clingan is expected to return to action Friday after missing Portland's previous five contests due to a left ankle sprain. With Deandre Ayton (knee) and Robert Williams (hand) both out, Clingan should draw the start at center if he's upgraded to available against Charlotte.