NBA Player News

Williams (illness) tallied four points (1-3 FG, 2-2 FT), seven rebounds and two assists across 18 minutes in Thursday's 118-89 loss to the Clippers.

After missing the last three games -- first because of rest and then due to an illness -- Williams made his return to action Thursday and settled back into the rotation as the top backup to starting center Deandre Ayton. While Donovan Clingan (ankle) is out for at least the next week, Williams should have a regular spot on the second unit. However, Williams' playing time may be more suppressed in competitive contests where the Trail Blazers will likely lean more heavily on Ayton, who played just 24 minutes Thursday.

Allen contributed 13 points (6-6 FG, 1-1 FT) and seven rebounds in 16 minutes during Thursday's 134-114 loss to the Thunder.

Despite playing a season-low 16 minutes, Allen salvaged his box score with a perfect night from the field en route to his 10th straight game with double-digit points. During this timeframe, the big man has averaged 17.4 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.2 steals in 27.2 minutes while shooting 77.7 percent from the floor. The presence of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland in Cleveland's dynamic backcourt along with frontcourt mate Evan Mobley stretching the floor should continue to free up plenty of easy looks underneath the basket for Allen going forward.

Sarr provided 16 points (7-17 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 1-2 FT), nine rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal in 28 minutes during Thursday's 130-123 loss to the Suns.

Sarr filled the box score for the Wizards on Thursday, reaching double digits in scoring for the 16th time in his last 17 appearances. The rookie big man is averaging 12.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.8 threes in 26.8 minutes across his past four games. Shooting inefficiency has been an issue for the 2024 No. 2 overall pick, who is shooting just 39.6 percent from the floor during this period, but Sarr remains locked into Washington's starting role at center over veteran Jonas Valanciunas.

Plumlee posted six points (3-3 FG), 10 rebounds and four assists in 17 minutes during Thursday's 130-123 win over the Wizards.

Plumlee came down with 10 boards in just 17 minutes Thursday, tallying double-digit rebounds for the fourth time in his last six games. The veteran big man has provided a consistent dose of boards over his last nine contests, a stretch during which he's averaging 7.9 rebounds, 4.1 points, 2.4 assists, and 0.7 steals in 20.1 minutes while shooting 61.5 percent from the field. Plumlee remains Phoenix's interim starting center in the absence of Jusuf Nurkic (illness), but the Suns appear to be preparing for the incoming Nick Richards to take over down low once he's acclimated to their system.

Duren supplied 17 points (8-8 FG, 1-1 FT), 17 rebounds and two blocks in 27 minutes during Thursday's 111-100 loss to the Pacers.

Duren held things down in the paint for Detroit against Indiana, leading all players in rebounds and blocks while ending as one of three Pistons with 15 or more points in a double-double performance. Duren has tallied at least 15 points and 15 boards in two outings this season, recording a double-double on 14 occasions.

Turner logged 28 points (9-16 FG, 8-11 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three rebounds, one assist, three blocks and two steals in 37 minutes during Thursday's 111-100 victory over the Pistons.

Turner was red-hot from three in Thursday's contest, leading all players in scoring and shots made from deep while ending two points shy of the 30-point mark. Turner, who also tallied a team-high-tying pair of blocks, set a new season high in threes made in a game after previously topping out at five threes, which he had accomplished three times. Turner has tallied 25 or more points in four outings, and Thursday was his first such performance since posting a season-high 34 points Nov. 17.

Kessler (rest) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Pelicans, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

After returning to the floor for Wednesday's loss against the Hornets, Kessler will rest Friday against the Pelicans. Drew Eubanks could be in line to start in place of the talented big man for Utah.

Williams (illness) is available for Thursday's game against the Clippers, Danny Marang of 1080 The Fan Portland reports.

Williams will return to action after missing his club's last three matchups while dealing with an illness. He's slated to come off the bench Thursday and is averaging 2.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks over his last five appearances.

Davis (foot) is probable for Friday's game against the Nets, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.

Davis is carrying a probable tag related to his left foot soreness, which is nothing new. Look for him to see his usual minutes against the Nets, barring a setback in warmups.

Williams is probable for Friday's game against the Bulls with left knee soreness.

It's always a concern when Williams is placed on the injury report, given his history, but the probable tag suggests that this is a mild issue. With Charlotte trading away Nick Richards, Williams could offer a higher floor in fantasy leagues from now on.