NBA Player News

Hayes won't start Friday's game against New Orleans.

Hayes got the starting nod in Wednesday's season-opening loss to Memphis, posting five points, six blocks, five rebounds, three assists and two steals in 26 minutes of action. However, the big man will come off the bench behind Jaren Jackson on Friday, with Ace Bailey entering the first unit.

Bailey is in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Pelicans.

Bailey was productive coming off the bench in Wednesday's loss to the Grizzlies, posting 12 points (5-11 FG, 2-5 3Pt), five rebounds, three assists and three blocks in 24 minutes. He's moving to a first-unit role, sending Jaxson Hayes to the bench. In 61 starts in the 2025-26 season, Bailey averaged 15.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists per contest.

Duren is questionable to return to Friday's game in Miami due to a right thigh injury.

Duren tweaked his thigh and immediately departed to the locker room. If he's not able to get back out there, John Collins and Paul Reed will benefit.

Flagg won't return to Friday's game against the Pacers due to left shoulder soreness, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Flagg took a hard fall after being fouled on a dunk attempt late in the second quarter and headed to the locker room with 45 seconds remaining in the first half. He did not come out for the second half, with Naji Marshall starting in his place. Flagg was ruled out shortly thereafter, and he will finish with 14 points (4-6 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 4-4 FT), five rebounds, six assists, three steals, one block and three turnovers across 17 minutes. For now, he should be considered questionable for Saturday's meeting with the Spurs.

Duren exited to the locker room in the second quarter of Friday's game against the Heat due to an apparent right knee injury, Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Duren appeared to tweak his knee before walking back to the locker room. The big man can be considered questionable to return until more information comes to light.

Adams (calf) is available for Friday's game against San Antonio.

Adams missed Wednesday's season-opening win over the Mavericks but will shed his questionable tag and return to action Friday. He's expected to operate as Alperen Sengun's primary backup.

Banchero (ankle) has checked back into Friday's game against the Timberwolves, Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel reports.

Banchero tweaked his ankle coming down from a rebound, but after getting checked up in the locker room, he's been cleared to return. He's off to a hot start, scoring 14 points on eight shots in his first 23 minutes of play.

Banchero exited Friday's game against the Timberwolves and went to the locker room after appearing to have tweaked his ankle, Philip Rossman-Reich of OrlandoMagicDaily.com reports.

Banchero appeared to tweak his ankle when he and Jalen Suggs went crashing in for a rebound early in the third quarter, and the former departed straight to the locker room. Losing Banchero would be huge for Orlando, as he scored 14 points on 6-for-7 shooting before leaving. If he doesn't return, Tristan da Silva could be in line for a bigger role in the frontcourt.

Flagg exited to the locker room in the second quarter of Friday's game against Indiana due to an apparent left shoulder injury, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

Flagg was hit while he was in the air and landed on his shoulder. He headed to the locker room shortly before halftime and can be considered questionable to return in the second half until the Mavericks provide an update on his status.

Melton will come off the bench in Friday's matchup with Memphis, Danny Emerman of SFStandard.com reports.

Brandin Podziemski (back) is active and starting, so Melton will retreat to the second unit. As a reserve last season, Melton averaged 11.8 points, 2.3 assists, 1.4 triples and 1.5 steals per game.