NBA Player News

Anunoby has been ruled out for the rest of Friday's game against the Raptors due to a left ankle injury.

Anunoby checked out of the game at the 7:30 mark in the second quarter, and the veteran forward will be sidelined for the rest of Friday's contest. He'll end his night with two points (1-4 FG, 0-3 3Pt), five rebounds and three assists over 15 minutes. It's bad timing given the proximity to the start of the playoffs, and the Knicks should provide an update on Anunoby's health once he undergoes further tests on his ankle. Mohamed Diawara, Jordan Clarkson and Landry Shamet should see more minutes in Anunoby's absence.

Small (thigh) is available for Friday's game against the Jazz.

Small will shed his questionable tag and return from a three-game absence due to a left thigh contusion. The Grizzlies will be very shorthanded, so the rookie second-rounder is expected to see significant burn. He has started each of his last seven appearances, during which he has averaged 12.1 points, 3.9 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 25.3 minutes per showing.

Spencer won't start in Friday's game against Sacramento, Kenzo Fukuda of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Spencer was in the starting lineup for the Warriors' last two contests. However, with Stephen Curry (knee) and Brandin Podziemski available, Spencer will head back to the bench.

Prosper (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Jazz.

As expected, Prosper will miss a second consecutive contest due to right ankle soreness. His final chance to play this season will come Sunday in Houston. Toby Okani, Dariq Whitehead and Taj Gibson are candidates for increased run in Prosper's stead.

Brown will start Friday's game against the Thunder, Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman reports.

The Nuggets are holding their regular starters out Friday, opening the door for Brown to enter the starting five. Over two starts this season, the veteran guard has averaged 15.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 36.5 minutes per tilt.

Valanciunas will start in Friday's game against Oklahoma City, Justin Martinez of The Oklahomanreports.

With Nikola Jokic (wrist) sitting out, Valanciunas will start for the first time since the 128-125 win over the Jazz on March 2. In five starts during the 2025-26 campaign, the 33-year-old has averaged 14.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.8 blocks and 0.6 steals across 23.6 minutes.

Bagley is questionable to return to Friday's game against the Spurs due to left shoulder impingement, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

Bagley was on the injury report prior to Friday's game due to a shoulder injury, though it's unclear whether he aggravated the injury. Dwight Powell and Moussa Cisse are in line for expanded roles if Bagley is unable to return.

Strawther will start Friday's game against the Thunder, Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman reports.

Denver will be without its usual starting five Friday, opening the door for Strawther to rejoin the first unit. As a starter this season (12 games), the 23-year-old swingman has averaged 13.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 25.2 minutes per contest.

Hardaway will start Friday's game against the Thunder, Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman reports.

With the Nuggets holding out their usual starters, Hardaway will enter the first unit. As a starter this season (five games), the veteran swingman has averaged 17.2 points and 3.2 rebounds in 32.2 minutes per contest.

Jones is in the Nuggets' starting lineup against the Thunder on Friday, Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman reports.

Jones has seen little time in Denver's rotation since the beginning of March. However, with seven Nuggets players ruled out Friday -- including Jamal Murray (shoulder) and Christian Braun (ankle) -- Jones will move into the starting lineup for the 11th time this season and first with Denver. Jones' last start took place Feb. 20 as a member of the Mavericks, when he logged 13 points, six assists and one rebound over 26 minutes.