Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (ankle) is not listed on the injury report for Friday's game versus the Nuggets. He was given a maintenance day on Wednesday but will return Friday and resume his usual workload, leading to fewer minutes for Nikola Topic and Aaron Wiggins.
Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (back) is not listed on the injury report for Friday's game against the Nuggets. He sat out Wednesday's matchup but will be back on the court. Holmgren has averaged 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.6 blocks over his last five games.
Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) is off the injury report for Friday's game against Denver. He sat out Wednesday's loss but is available Friday. Hartenstein has averaged 9.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists while shooting 66.7 percent from the floor in his last eight starts.
Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (illness) is available for Thursday's game against the 76ers. He is playing through an illness but is not expected to be limited. Mitchell has averaged 8.9 points, 6.3 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.5 three-pointers in his last eight appearances.
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (hamstring) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Thunder. This matchup was initially seen as a potential return date, but he will remain sidelined. Gordon was evaluated 4-to-6 weeks ago, and his return is still uncertain. He is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Timberwolves.
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray is listed as questionable for Friday's game against Oklahoma City due to an illness. Murray attempted to play through the ailment in Wednesday's victory over the Celtics but was limited to just eight minutes of action before exiting. His availability for Friday's contest will be further clarified based on his activity level at the team's shootaround. Even if he tries to play through the illness, he is considered a risky option for daily fantasy leagues.
Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Wizards due to a foot injury. He will be joined on the sidelines by Jalen Johnson (hip). This absence could result in Jonathan Kuminga stepping into the starting lineup and a more prominent role, while CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert are also expected to see an uptick in minutes. Alexander-Walker's next opportunity to play will be Sunday's game against the Trail Blazers, for which he should be considered questionable.
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo (right calf strain) has been officially ruled out for Friday's game against the Knicks. Despite missing 13 straight games, he is "getting closer" to playing and has "looked great" in workouts, according to reports. Head coach Doc Rivers confirmed he's inching towards a return, but will not play Friday, with his next opportunity coming Sunday in Chicago. Antetokounmpo is ramping up and appears day-to-day, though he may require more full-contact workouts before being cleared. Kyle Kuzma is expected to continue starting at power forward in his absence.
Tyler Smith, a reporter for IndySportsLegends.com, reported on Thursday that Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam has been ruled out for the game against the Hornets due to a left wrist sprain. Smith's report confirmed Siakam's doubtful status was upgraded to out.
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam has been officially ruled out for Thursday's game against the Charlotte Hornets due to a left wrist sprain. Siakam was initially listed as doubtful for the contest. Although Obi Toppin (foot) has been cleared to return, he will be under a minutes restriction. Consequently, Kobe Brown, Ben Sheppard, and Micah Potter are anticipated to see increased playing time in the frontcourt to compensate for Siakam's absence.
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (back) has been cleared to play in Thursday's game against the Charlotte Hornets, shedding his questionable designation. Nembhard is expected to handle his usual workload for the contest. The fourth-year guard has been productive recently, averaging 17.7 points, 6.3 assists, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.5 three-pointers across 29.6 minutes per game over his last six appearances.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden is questionable for Friday's game against the Pistons due to a fractured right thumb. He was sidelined for Wednesday's matchup with the Bucks but remains intent on playing through the injury, as indicated by his questionable tag. The team is expected to provide another update closer to tipoff. This development impacts the Cavaliers' backcourt, especially with Donovan Mitchell (groin) already ruled out. If Harden is unable to play, Dennis Schroder, Sam Merrill, and Craig Porter would be relied upon to fill the void.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell has been officially ruled out for Friday's game against the Detroit Pistons due to a groin injury. This will be Mitchell's second consecutive game on the inactive list, with the early ruling being somewhat discouraging. He should be considered questionable for the Cavaliers' upcoming Sunday game in Brooklyn. In his absence, Dennis Schroder, Jaylon Tyson, and Sam Merrill are expected to see more shot attempts, while Craig Porter will likely receive increased playing time.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (calf) has been removed from the injury report and is set to return for Friday's game against the Detroit Pistons. Mobley is ready to play after missing Wednesday's contest against the Bucks. In his last three outings since returning from an extended absence, he has averaged 12.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists across 22.8 minutes per game.
Jayson Tatum (Achilles) is now a "full go in 5-on-5 scrimmages with the Celtics," according to Shams Charania. Tatum has reached the final checkpoint in his recovery from surgery and will focus on conditioning and calf strength. All signs point to him playing in March, boosting the Celtics' playoff odds.
John Collins (neck/head) will not play in Thursday's game against Minnesota due to a head laceration and neck soreness. This marks his second consecutive missed game. His next chance to play is Sunday against the Pelicans.
Kawhi Leonard (ankle) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Timberwolves. He remains day-to-day. The Clippers begin a back-to-back set Sunday against the Pelicans, and his status for that series will be closely watched.
Russell Westbrook has been ruled out for Thursday's game against Dallas due to a bruised right thigh. His next opportunity to play will be Sunday against the Lakers. His absence is expected to result in increased backcourt minutes for Nique Clifford and Devin Carter.
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Pelicans due to a right ankle sprain, marking his sixth consecutive absence. His next opportunity to return to action will be Saturday, when the Jazz face New Orleans in a rematch. In his continued absence, Isaiah Collier is expected to maintain his starting role at point guard, boosting his fantasy value.
Atlanta Hawks All-Star forward Jalen Johnson has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Wizards due to left hip flexor irritation. He exited Tuesday's game with the same injury and is considered day-to-day ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Trail Blazers. In his absence, Mouhamed Gueye and Corey Kispert are expected to see an uptick in playing time, with Jonathan Kuminga also in line for more ball-handling duties.
