NBA Player News

Anderson (ankle) is probable for Saturday's game against the Heat.

The rookie first-rounder was dealing with an ankle injury during the preseason, and he may have slightly aggravated the issue during the Hornets' 128-81 loss to the Hawks on Friday, when he played 16 minutes and finished with two points, two assists and one block. The injury doesn't appear to be a long-term concern for Anderson, and he's expected to be available for Saturday's contest.

White (calf) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against Miami.

White will miss a third straight game due to a left calf strain, though he's been ramping up in practice. His next chance to suit up will come Monday against the Wizards.

Adams (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Hawks.

As expected, Adams will sit out the second leg of this back-to-back set due to left ankle injury management. His next chance to play will come in Monday's rematch versus the Hawks. With the veteran big man out, Clint Capela will likely see a bump in minutes.

Sheppard (knee) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Hawks.

Sheppard is in danger of missing a second straight game with a left knee bone bruise. If he joins Fred VanVleet (knee) on the inactive list, Marcus Smart and Bruce Thornton would likely see increased minutes.

VanVleet (knee) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Hawks.

VanVleet will sit out the second leg of this back-to-back set due to right knee injury management, though he'll likely be able to return for Monday's rematch with Atlanta. In the meantime, Marcus Smart and Reed Sheppard (knee), who is listed as questionable, are candidates for increased burn. If Sheppard is also ruled out, Bruce Thornton could join the rotation.

Larsson (finger) is listed as probable for Saturday's game against Charlotte.

Larsson is dealing with a sprained finger but is trending toward playing in the second leg of this back-to-back set. The 25-year-old swingman is averaging 4.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.0 steals across 26.5 minutes per contest through two regular-season appearances.

Knueppel (hamstring) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Heat.

Knueppel will miss a third consecutive contest due to a left hamstring strain. The second-year swingman has been ramping up toward a return, and his next opportunity to play will come Monday against the Wizards.

James (back) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Bucks, Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com reports.

James will be held out of the front end of this back-to-back set, with his next chance to play coming Sunday against Detroit. With the star forward sidelined, Dean Wade (ankle), Jabari Walker and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are candidates for increased playing time.

Essengue (head) is probable for Saturday's game against the Wizards, Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic reports.

Essengue may have picked up the injury during Friday's 132-125 win over the Bucks, when he played 17 minutes and finished with four points, one rebound, one assist, three steals and one block. The probable tag indicates that the injury isn't considered a serious one, but that could change up until Saturday's 8:00 p.m. ET tipoff.

Banchero is expected to be sidelined for the next four-to-six weeks due to a right high-ankle sprain, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

Banchero left during Friday's loss against the Timberwolves due to an ankle injury, and follow-up tests have confirmed a high-ankle sprain for the fifth-year forward. With an extended absence expected, the Magic will have to rely more heavily on Franz Wagner and Desmond Bane offensively, and Tristan da Silva figures to be the top candidate to enter the Magic's starting lineup for as long as Banchero is sidelined.