Key Player Availability: heading into the weekend

Luke Kennard - Out for Saturday’s Game (Illness)

Luke Kennard of the LA Clippers will miss Saturday's game due to illness. The sharpshooter has been a valuable bench contributor for the Clippers, offering scoring and perimeter shooting. His absence will likely impact the Clippers' depth and three-point shooting, especially as they face a tough opponent on Saturday.

Marcus Smart - Questionable for Saturday’s Game (Sprained Right Ankle)

Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game with a sprained right ankle. Smart’s absence would be a significant blow to Memphis' perimeter defense and overall leadership on the floor. If Smart can’t go, the Grizzlies will rely on other guards like Desmond Bane and Ja Morant to fill the gap.

Dario Šarić - Questionable for Saturday’s Game (Left Ankle Sprain)

Dario Šarić is questionable for Saturday’s game after suffering a left ankle sprain. He has missed the last five games, and his status for the weekend remains uncertain. The Phoenix Suns will continue to monitor his condition, as Šarić has been an important rotation player for them this season, although his absence has been felt over the last few games.

Jamal Murray - Questionable for Saturday’s Game (Inflammation)

After logging 40 minutes in a hard-fought loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, Denver Nuggets’ Jamal Murray is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game due to inflammation. The point guard has been a key player for Denver this season, and if he misses time, the Nuggets may lean on backup guards like Bruce Brown and Reggie Jackson to fill the void.

Aaron Gordon - Probable for Saturday’s Game (Return from Injury)

Aaron Gordon, a key player for the Denver Nuggets, is probable for Saturday’s game after recently coming back from injury. Gordon had been sidelined for a few games, but he has made an impact in his return, particularly with his defense and scoring. His presence will be important as the Nuggets look to keep momentum going.

Jimmy Butler - Probable for Saturday’s Game (Right Knee Soreness)

Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler is probable for Saturday’s game after missing time earlier this week due to right knee soreness. While he is expected to play, it’s possible that Butler could be on limited minutes. The Heat will need him in top form, but they may need to be cautious with his recovery to avoid any setbacks.

Jalen Brunson - Questionable for Saturday’s Game (Lower Back Contusion)

New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson is questionable for Saturday’s game due to a lower back contusion. This would be his first missed game of the season. Brunson has been a driving force for the Knicks, and his absence would be a significant blow, especially on offense. If he can't go, the Knicks will look for contributions from Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby to step up.

Jakob Poeltl - Questionable for Saturday’s Game (Illness)

Toronto Raptors' center Jakob Poeltl is questionable for Saturday's game due to illness. Poeltl missed the last game, where the Raptors were soundly defeated by the Oklahoma City Thunder, and his status is uncertain for the weekend. The Raptors could struggle without his presence in the middle, especially defensively and on the boards.

Andrew Wiggins - Questionable for Friday’s Game (Right Ankle Injury)

Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins is questionable for Friday’s game due to a lingering right ankle injury. Wiggins played through the injury against the Houston Rockets on Thursday, but it’s possible that the issue could sideline him for Friday’s contest. If he can’t play, the Warriors will likely rely more on Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody to step up on the wing.

What to Expect from Tonight’s Games

As always, injuries can have a big impact on how teams perform on the court. The players listed above will be missed if they can’t go, and their absences could change the dynamic of their respective matchups. Teams will need to adjust their rotations and rely on other players to step up in their absence, making for an exciting and unpredictable night of basketball.

Keep an eye on these injury reports as the day progresses for the latest updates before tipoff.