Toronto Raptors forward/center Scottie Barnes (groin) is questionable for Friday's NBA Cup game against the Milwaukee Bucks with left adductor/groin soreness. Barnes is coming off 17 points, six rebounds, six assists, and three steals in Wednesday's loss to Denver after also carrying a hip injury tag earlier in the week. The two-time All-Star is averaging 23.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists this season while Kawhi Leonard (knee) remains sidelined. If Barnes sits, Collin Murray-Boyles and Jamison Battle could pick up more minutes, with Allen Graves another option in Toronto's forward rotation.

Dallas Mavericks forward Santi Aldama (knee) is probable for Friday's NBA Cup game against the Utah Jazz and appears set to make his season debut. Aldama has missed the first eight games while recovering from right knee surgery in March, though head coach Dusty May said earlier this week that he was "very, very close." The 25-year-old averaged career highs of 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 43 games with Memphis last season. Aldama could be eased back in after the long layoff, but his return may eventually cut into the minutes of Zaccharie Risacher and Morez Johnson Jr.

Charlotte Hornets center Moussa Diabate (quadriceps) is questionable for Friday's NBA Cup game against the Boston Celtics with right quadriceps tendinopathy. The 24-year-old has yet to miss a game this season, averaging 8.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while starting all nine contests. If Diabate can't go, Ryan Kalkbrenner would likely step into the starting lineup. With Grant Williams (hamstring) also sidelined, Kalkbrenner could be worth a look for rebounds and blocks if he gets the extra minutes.

Charlotte Hornets guard/forward Kon Knueppel (hamstring) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Boston Celtics after his season debut lasted only six minutes Wednesday in Brooklyn. Knueppel had already missed the first eight games with a left hamstring strain before returning with soreness in the same leg. The 2026 Rookie of the Year runner-up averaged 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists last season while leading the NBA with 273 made threes. With Knueppel sidelined again, Sion James should remain busy, while Grayson Allen could also see more shots after scoring 22 points Wednesday.