NBA Player News

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.

Gafford (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Friday's game against the Celtics.

After posting 12 points (5-6 FG, 2-4 FT), 13 rebounds, one assist and two blocks in 25 minutes during Thursday's 115-114 loss to the Magic, Gafford is expected to miss the second half of Dallas' back-to-back set as he continues to manage a lingering right ankle injury. The Mavericks' frontcourt will be significantly shorthanded for the matchup against Boston, as Marvin Bagley (neck) is also listed as doubtful. If both big men are ruled out as expected, P.J. Washington and Dwight Powell would be the primary candidates to see expanded minutes at center.

Flagg will be available for Friday's game against Boston.

Flagg made his first appearance since Feb. 10 and produced 18 points (7-22 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 3-3 FT), six assists, five rebounds, four blocks and one steal across 26 minutes in Thursday's 115-114 loss to the Magic. The Mavericks did not list him on their injury report for the second night of a back-to-back set, so his foot must have responded well in his return, but he'll likely still have limitations Friday.

Thompson (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game against Portland.

Thompson finished with 18 points (8-15 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 10 rebounds, five assists and four steals over 44 minutes during Thursday's 115-113 overtime loss to the Warriors, as he successfully powered through his ankle sprain. Friday's game is the second leg of a back-to-back set, so the Rockets are simply considering a maintenance day here.