NBA Rumors and News Roundup: Pacers Want Eric Gordon, Latest Injury Update, More

Eric Gordon turned down a contract extension from the New Orleans Hornets amid persistent knee troubles, and there is speculation swirling that he is strongly interested in heading home to Indiana.

The Boston Celtics knocked off the Orlando Magic in impressive fashion again on Thursday night, but Rajon Rondo remained out of the lineup with a badly sprained wrist.

The hard luck continued for Andrew Bogut when it was revealed he would be sidelined for the foreseeable future, and the Milwaukee Bucks will have to adjust quickly without the big man in the middle.

Joel Przybilla

Przybilla's name has been tossed around as someone who could help teams in need of a big man, but he's not ready to give up retirement just yet.

Bill Duffy, Przybilla's agent, said that his client probably wouldn't sign for a few more weeks, but there is no doubt there will be interest in him once he deems himself ready.

Several teams have expressed varying levels of interest, but it's possible that the veteran center is leaning toward joining LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami.

Kyrie Irving

Irving has cooled down lately after a piping-hot start to the season, but Byron Scott isn't going to limit the top overall pick during his rookie season.

Scott said that he'd like to increase Irving's time on the court from where it currently stands, eventually playing the point guard anywhere from 30 to 33 minutes per game.

With an 84-to-59 assist-to-turnover ratio and not having topped seven dimes in a single game all year, Irving has a lot of work ahead of him before anyone is going to refer to him as a floor general.

B.J. Mullens

After being acquired from Oklahoma City, Mullens was a pleasant surprise for the Bobcats and even earned a starting role for the team.

However, he's not particularly strong on the glass, and teams have been making defensive adjustments against him, which has really limited his production.

He's shot just 5-of-19 over his last three games (a combined 13 points, eight rebounds) and is headed to the bench in favor of DeSagana Diop on Friday.

Mullens is also dealing with a bruised hand, which he suffered in Charlotte's previous contest.

Keyon Dooling

Dooling just returned for the Celtics on Thursday night from a knee injury which had kept him out of action, but he couldn't even make it through the game before again leaving with an injury.

The veteran point guard left with a hip pointer and did not return. Boston could really use him with Rajon Rondo still sidelined.

It remains a curious decision as to why the Celtics opted for Dooling over re-signing Delonte West, especially considering West signed with Dallas for a very reasonable price.

Al Jefferson

Jefferson sat out Utah's last game with inflammation in his ankle, but his playing status isn't considered to be in long-term jeopardy after an MRI revealed solely a minor injury.

He stands to be a game-time call on Friday, although it wouldn't be shocking to see him sit out as a precaution if he's feeling anything less than 100 percent.

Utah has solid depth beneath the basket, and Derrick Favors looked solid in his start for Jefferson on Wednesday when he logged a double-double.

Andrew Bogut

Bogut can't seem to catch a break on the injury front.

After missing time previously this season due to a personal issue and then having dealt with a concussion, Bogut is not going to be in the starting lineup any time soon.

An MRI revealed that Bogut had a fracture in his ankle which will keep him sidelined indefinitely, and the big man will undergo a CT scan on Friday to determine his status for the remainder of the season.

Eric Gordon

Gordon has been battling knee troubles all season, which has limited him to just two games to date, and he'll be out for another three to six weeks as he recovers from a knee contusion.

After turning down a contract extension from the Hornets, rumors are swirling that the Pacers will make a big push to sign him in the offseason.

It's imperative to remember that the Hornets hold first right of refusal as Gordon is a restricted free agent, and the team can match any offer he receives.

Rajon Rondo

Rondo was previously reported to be close to a return, but that may have been a little exaggerated considering the state of his sprained wrist.

The starting point guard said that his wrist is currently at 45 percent, and he hasn't been able to shoot or dribble a basketball with efficiency since sustaining the injury.

Doc Rivers said that there is currently no timetable for his return to the starting lineup, and the Celtics definitely won't rush him back considering his importance to the team for the entirety of the season.

Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony has been banged up with various injuries, and it sounds like they've finally taken a toll on his body.

Anthony won't play on Friday or Saturday night for the Knicks, and Tuesday is the earliest he'll return to the starting lineup.

It's a tough blow to a reeling Knicks team, and it will be very interesting to see how they adjust without Anthony in the fold.