NBA Player News

Brown (Achilles) is available for Friday's game versus New Orleans, Jay King of The Athletic reports.

After sitting out Thursday's loss to the Knicks, the star forward is ready to return Friday. Brown has dropped at least 26 points in 10 consecutive games, and he should do the heavy lifting offensively Friday with Jayson Tatum (Achilles) out of action.

Huerter (illness) will play in Friday's game against the Hornets, Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Huerter missed Wednesday's 137-111 win over Milwaukee due to an illness. However, after being upgraded to probable for this contest, the 27-year-old is now officially ready to go. In three meetings with the Hornets this season, Huerter has averaged 6.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 0.3 blocks and 0.7 steals while shooting 33.3 percent from the field and 15.4 percent from deep across 22.7 minutes of action.

Powell (groin) is listed as out ahead of Friday's game against Washington.

Powell has appeared in Miami's last two games despite battling groin soreness. However, he won't play Friday, giving him one more opportunity to suit up before the Heat gear up for the Play-In Tournament. With Tyler Herro (foot) also ruled out Friday, Kasparas Jakucionis may draw a sport start against one of the most defensively vulnerable teams in the league.

Miller is probable for Friday's game against the Magic with a right hand sprain.

The third-year forward was a late addition to the injury report but remains in line to play Friday. Miller has flashed of late, averaging 17.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 0.8 blocks in 28.6 minutes per tilt over his last six outings.

Hayes (foot) is out for Friday's game against the Suns.

Friday is marking a third consecutive absence for Hayes, whose last chance to return during the regular season is Sunday against the Jazz. Jarred Vanderbilt effectively served as the Lakers' primary backup center while logging 26 minutes during Thursday's win in Golden State, so he figures to occupy that role once more Friday.

Kennard is questionable for Friday's game against the Suns due to left finger injury management.

Kennard may be rested for the second leg of this back-to-back set after logging 32 minutes with 14 points Thursday. Nick Smith and Bronny James could be pressed into larger roles if Kennard is held out.

Smart (ankle) is available for Friday's game against the Suns.

The veteran guard is set to end an eight-game absence Friday with a bruised right ankle, and he will likely supplant Rui Hachimura in the starting lineup. That said, both players should see meaningful playing time for a Lakers team that is missing both Austin Reaves (oblique) and Luka Doncic (hamstring).

Curry (adductor) is out for Friday's game against the Kings.

The veteran guard is receiving a maintenance-related absence Friday. The likes of Pat Spencer, Gary Payton and De'Anthony Melton could pick up a few extra minutes each Friday.

Cryer (ankle) is out for Friday's game against the Kings.

Cryer left Thursday's loss to the Lakers in the fourth quarter due to a sprained right ankle, and he's now out for the second half of this back-to-back set. More playing time is open to Pat Spencer, Gary Payton and De'Anthony Melton on Friday.

Richard (back) is questionable to play against the Kings on Friday.

Richard remains day-to-day after missing the last two games for Golden State. He's not a great option in fantasy formats with Stephen Curry (knee) expected to suit up.