NBA Player News

McGowens had 14 points (5-10 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 3-3 FT), six rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal across 27 minutes during Thursday's 133-123 win over Sacramento.

McGowens continues to play a key role off the bench in New Orleans, but he's still a bit too volatile to trust outside of deeper formats. Over his last eight games, he's averaging 10.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.1 three-pointers in 26.1 minutes per contest.

Smith is probable for Friday's game against Charlotte with left ankle soreness.

This is a minor setback for Smith, but he intends to play through it. Smith has been losing minutes to Kasparas Jakucionis lately, so his fantasy appeal is very low.

Champagnie (knee) is questionable for Friday's game against the Clippers due to right knee soreness, per Paul Garcia of ProjectSpurs.com.

Champagnie is in danger of missing the second half of a back-to-back set after picking up a knee issue during Thursday's win over the Pistons. The fourth-year wing has been on a heater lately, scoring in double figures in five of his last six outings while shooting a blistering 52.6 percent from deep during that span. If he were to miss Friday's game, more minutes on the wing may open up for Keldon Johnson, Lindy Waters and others.

Plumlee (reconditioning) is not available for Friday's game against the Clippers, Paul Garcia of ProjectSpurs.com reports.

Plumlee has yet to be cleared to make his San Antonio debut as he continues to build up his conditioning. Even when cleared to play, he won't be guaranteed playing time.

Barnes (ankle) is out for Friday's game against the Clippers, Paul Garcia of ProjectSpurs.com reports.

Barnes will be sidelined for a third straight contest Friday. Julian Champagnie (knee) is questionable, so the Spurs could turn to rookie Carter Bryant in the frontcourt.

Smith (ankle) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Trail Blazers.

Smith logged a heavy 42-minute workload in his return from a two-game absence Thursday, though he struggled significantly with his shot, finishing 0-for-8 from the floor. While the heavy minutes suggest the Rockets aren't overly concerned with the long-term health of his right ankle, the quick turnaround for the second half of a back-to-back has placed his availability in doubt. If Smith is ultimately held out to manage the injury, Reed Sheppard and Josh Okogie would likely see increased roles in the rotation.

Tatum (Achilles) will make his season debut Friday against Dallas, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports.

Tatum is officially off the injury report and will make his return to the court after 10 months of rehab. He's returning ahead of schedule and has been playing 5-on-5 at practices for the past month. Needless to say, but he's likely to have some restrictions right out of the gate.

Thompson is listed as probable for Friday's game against the Celtics due to a right adductor contusion.

Thompson appears likely to suit up for the second half of Dallas' back-to-back set after an explosive return to action Thursday. In his first game back from a one-game absence, the veteran sharpshooter caught fire, knocking down a season-high seven three-pointers on his way to 24 points in 26 minutes. While the Mavericks are listing him as probable to manage the adductor issue, his high-level production against Orlando suggests he is moving well.

Finney-Smith (ankle) is good to go for Friday's game against Portland.

Finney-Smith is no longer on the injury report after sitting out the front end of this back-to-back set. The forward is averaging 19.1 minutes over his last five appearances.

Williams (quadriceps) is probable for Friday's game versus Boston.

Williams is expected to return after sitting out the front end of this back-to-back set Thursday against the Magic. Look for him to reprise his role as a key member of the second unit in Dallas.