NBA Player News

Awaka (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game in Boston.

Awaka continues to battle a left ankle sprain. The rookie big man could go through morning shootaround and pregame warmups before the Bulls update his status.

Niederhauser (foot) had his third-year team option picked up Thursday by the Clippers, Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com reports.

With Niederhauser still working back from a foot injury, this move is more about the Clippers' long-term roster planning than any immediate status change. It keeps the young center under team control beyond this season, which was the expectation after Los Angeles spent a first-round pick on Niederhauser a year ago.

Clarkson chipped in 18 points (7-11 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three rebounds, one assist and two steals across 17 minutes during Wednesday's 133-127 win over the Bulls.

Clarkson gave the Knicks a big lift off the bench on the second night of a back-to-back set, leading the second unit in scoring during this comeback victory. Wednesday was a season-best outing across the board for the veteran guard, who made a strong case to remain part of the rotation once Jose Alvarado recovers from an ankle sprain.

Kolek accumulated nine points (3-4 FG, 3-4 3Pt), two rebounds and nine assists in 18 minutes during Wednesday's 133-127 win over the Bulls.

Kolek was something of an unsung hero off the bench during Wednesday's come-from-behind victory, handing out a team-high nine dimes. He should continue to handle the No. 2 point guard role for as long as Jose Alvarado is on the shelf with an ankle sprain.

Okoro notched seven points (1-4 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 4-6 FT), one assist and one steal over 18 minutes during Wednesday's 133-127 loss to New York.

Okoro is seeing meaningful run off the bench for the rebuilding Bulls, but he's not seeing the level of usage to command much streaming attention early on. He's been held to single figures in scoring in four of his first five appearances and has yet to bury multiple three-pointers in any of them.

Edwards underwent a successful arthroscopic procedure on his right knee Thursday, the Timberwolves announced.

Edwards underwent debridement surgery in Minnesota, though the team did not provide a timetable for his return. The star guard is expected to make a full recovery, with additional updates coming as he progresses through rehabilitation. Based on previous reporting from ESPN's Shams Charania, Edwards could miss up to two months. Edwards was off to a scorching start this season, averaging 33.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.0 steals across four appearances.

Smith racked up 17 points (7-12 FG, 3-7 3Pt), 11 rebounds, five assists and three blocks over 30 minutes during Wednesday's 133-127 loss to the Knicks.

Smith continues to hold down the fort at center while Nicolas Claxton tends to a hamstring injury. Over his first five appearances, Smith has averaged 13.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.8 three-pointers in 23.4 minutes per game.

Isaac (knee) is out for Friday's game in Toronto.

Isaac holds no timetable for a return to an ongoing left knee injury. The oft-injured forward can be considered week-to-week until the Magic update his timeline.

Murray-Boyles chipped in 10 points (3-5 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), two rebounds and one assist across 15 minutes during Wednesday's 129-99 victory over the Magic.

Murray-Boyles provided an efficient offensive spark, connecting on two three-pointers while reaching double figures despite limited playing time. However, foul trouble restricted his involvement, as the second-year forward committed five personal fouls in just 15 minutes. His developing perimeter shooting is encouraging, but he will need a more consistent workload to become a dependable fantasy contributor.

Knueppel (hamstring) will practice with the G League's Greensboro Swarm on Thursday, the Hornets announced.

Although the second-year sharpshooter hasn't been given an official timetable, this suggests that he's progressing toward a return. Knueppel will almost certainly be recalled shortly after practice, though an update on his progress may not be given immediately.