NBA Player News

Ighodaro (oblique) is available for Friday's game against the Nuggets.

Ighodaro was injured on Opening Night and missed the Suns' next two regular-season contests. He is now cleared to suit up versus Denver, potentially resulting in less work for Khaman Maluach. However, Ighodaro will operate under an unspecified minutes restriction, per John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.

Holmgren underwent a biological treatment Friday to address a small patellar tendon tear and will miss at least 8-10 weeks, Nick Crain of Slam reports.

This is another massive blow to an Oklahoma City squad that's already set to be without Jalen Williams (leg) and Cason Wallace (shoulder) for most, if not all, of the season. With Holmgren sidelined, Kenrich Williams, Jaylin Williams and Aday Mara are all candidates to see increased playing time. Two-way player Brooks Barnhizer could also see more minutes in the short term.

Santos (knee) is available for Friday's game against the Lakers.

Santos was initially listed as doubtful, though he was upgraded to questionable Friday afternoon and has since been cleared to return from a one-game absence. With the 24-year-old forward back in action, Georges Niang figures to slide back to the second unit.

Diallo (personal/wrist) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Phoenix, Vic Lombardi of Altitude Sports reports.

Diallo will miss a fourth consecutive contest while attending to a personal matter. He's also dealing with a right wrist sprain. The 29-year-old's next opportunity to return to action will come Monday against the Trail Blazers.

Capela will start Friday's game against Dallas.

Tari Eason got the starting nod in Alperen Sengun's (back) absence in Wednesday's win over Milwaukee, though it'll be Capela who gets the starting nod Friday. Capela logged a season-high 22 minutes Wednesday, posting 10 points, eight rebounds, three steals, two assists and two blocks.

Eason is not listed in the starting lineup for Friday's game against Dallas, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.

Eason started in Wednesday's 132-100 win over the Bucks. While Alperen Sengun (back) will miss a second consecutive contest, Eason will head back to the bench, and Clint Capela will draw a turn with the first unit.

Sanders isn't starting Friday against the Timberwolves, Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Sanders will return to his regular bench role with Rui Hachimura (calf) back in the starting five. Sanders is averaging 6.3 points and 2.3 rebounds per game in three appearances off the bench this season.

Johnson will start Friday's game against Detroit.

With Egor Demin (leg) unavailable, Johnson will get the starting nod for just the second time in his career. He's averaging 7.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 0.8 steals in 20.8 minutes per contest across four regular-season outings.

Markkanen (wrist) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against Portland.

Markkanen suffered a right wrist sprain during the 110-105 loss to Memphis on Monday. As a result, he didn't play in Wednesday's meeting with the Spurs. While subsequent tests have been encouraging, the veteran should still be considered day-to-day. If Markkanen misses another contest, Josh Green could remain in the starting lineup.

Smart (forearm) is available for Friday's game against Dallas, Varun Shankar of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Smart will shed his questionable tag and return from a three-game stint on the sidelines due to a left forearm strain. He's averaging 7.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.0 steals in 24.0 minutes per game across two regular-season appearances.