Sabonis Cleared for Season Debut; Porzingis Out, Nembhard Testing, Moody Back, Wagner Still Limited
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Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis will suit up for the first time this season when the Kings host the Utah Jazz on Friday night. The 29-year-old had been nursing a Grade 1 strain of his right hamstring suffered in an Oct. 15 preseason game, an injury the club initially expected to keep him out of the first two regular-season contests. After participating in shooting drills Thursday, he was upgraded from questionable to available.
Porzingis to Miss Hawks Game in Orlando
In Atlanta, newly acquired big man Kristaps Porzingis will sit out Friday’s road matchup with the Orlando Magic because of flu-like symptoms. According to the team, Porzingis went through morning shootaround but began feeling ill later in the day. He posted 20 points, seven rebounds and two blocks in Wednesday’s lopsided loss to Toronto, his first regular-season appearance for the Hawks since arriving from Boston in an offseason trade.
Nembhard Undergoes Shoulder Evaluation
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard left Thursday’s double-overtime thriller against Oklahoma City with soreness in his left shoulder. Head coach Rick Carlisle said the 25-year-old will have additional tests on Friday to determine the extent of the damage, noting that more backcourt injuries would pose “big challenges” for the club.
Moody Returning for Warriors
Golden State Warriors wing Moses Moody is expected to be available Friday in Portland after missing the final three preseason games and Thursday’s opener against Denver with a left calf strain sustained in practice two weeks ago. Veteran forward Al Horford will sit out the second night of the back-to-back for left toe injury management, as planned.
Wagner Remains in Non-Contact Work
Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said forward/center Moritz Wagner, rehabbing from the torn ACL he suffered last December, continues to do only non-contact drills while strengthening his knee. Mosley added that Wagner remains upbeat and vocal on the bench during games.
Source: Hoops Rumors
