NBA Player News

It has been a largely unproductive season for Lopez, but he has started at center in every game since Ivica Zubac suited up for the last time as a Clipper, and he has been productive, especially recently. He has 16 blocks over his last five games and has scored in double figures in all but one of those. Lopez has provided fifth-round value over the past two weeks, and they’ll need him to stay productive in Thursday’s game against the Spurs.

Markkanen missed Wednesday’s loss to the Spurs with a wrist injury, but is set to return Saturday against the Trail Blazers. Josh Green will head back to the bench.

Thomas missed Thursday’s loss to the Hawks, but is trending in the right direction for Saturday’s game against the Bucks. He’ll have a role off the bench if he’s available.

Markkanen missed Wednesday’s game against the Spurs with a sprained right wrist. He’ll return Saturday against the Trail Blazers, likely sending Josh Green back to the bench.

Williams is available after missing Thursday’s loss to the Grizzlies. He doesn’t have much fantasy value at this point in his career on a crowded Trail Blazers bench.

Gobert is questionable with low back spasms. Joan Beringer had 12 points, seven rebounds and two blocks against the Cavaliers earlier this week and would likely start if Gobert is ruled out.

Sheppard is out again with a back injury. With Fred VanVleet (knee) also out, expect Marcus Smart to move into the starting lineup while Bogdan Bogdanovic should also see a boost in minutes.

VanVleet will sit with right knee injury management and it likely won’t be the last time he does so this season. With Reed Sheppard (back) also out, Marcus Smart should move into the starting lineup Saturday against the Thunder.

Şengün is good to go after sitting out Friday’s game against the Mavericks with back soreness. He should be started in all formats. Clint Capela will head back to the bench after picking up a spot start Friday.

Walker has missed the last three games with a knee injury. If he’s out again, Adem Bona should start and see plenty of minutes with Joel Embiid (foot) also out.

Brown missed Friday’s win over the Knicks, which was his first absence of the year. He’s questionable for Saturday’s game against the Hornets with a knee injury. If he’s out again, Dean Wade could move into the starting lineup just as he did Friday.