Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Cooper Flagg has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Sacramento Kings due to a foot injury, marking his fifth consecutive game on the inactive list. He is considered questionable for Friday's matchup with Memphis. Khris Middleton, Caleb Martin, and Naji Marshall are expected to see increased roles in Flagg's absence as the Mavericks continue to manage his injury.
Jaxson Hayes has been upgraded to probable for the Los Angeles Lakers' upcoming game against the Phoenix Suns after missing only one game due to an ankle sprain. Hayes is averaging 6.8 points and shooting a career-high 77% from the field, providing valuable depth as the Lakers' backup big. His potential return is a boost for the team.
Rui Hachimura has been listed as questionable for the Los Angeles Lakers' upcoming game against the Phoenix Suns due to an illness. If he is unable to play, Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt are expected to see increased minutes. Hachimura is a key rotation player for the Lakers, averaging 11.7 points and shooting 44% from three, and his absence would impact the team's depth.
Jontay Porter, who received a lifetime ban from the NBA in 2024 due to gambling violations, has signed with the USBL's Seattle SuperHawks. This move marks his return to professional basketball as he awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to a federal charge related to his gambling addiction. Porter's signing with the SuperHawks allows him to resume his playing career outside the NBA.
Kawhi Leonard is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Timberwolves due to left ankle soreness. He has been dealing with this issue since Friday's game against the Lakers. If Leonard is unable to play, Bennedict Mathurin or Kobe Sanders could enter the starting lineup. Since the All-Star break, Leonard has averaged 30.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists.
Los Angeles Clippers forward John Collins (head/neck) participated in practice on Wednesday, an encouraging sign for his recovery. However, his status for Thursday's game against the Timberwolves remains undetermined. If Collins is cleared to return, Kobe Sanders would likely move back to the second unit and Nicolas Batum could see reduced minutes. He is considered questionable for the upcoming game.
Keyonte George (ankle) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Pelicans. George has missed the past five games for the Jazz, but there's a chance he could return. If George is cleared to play, Isaiah Collier would likely return to the second unit.
Ty Jerome will start Wednesday versus the Warriors. He is back from a rest day and will replace Scotty Pippen in the first unit. Jerome will join Jevon Small, Jaylen Wells, GG Jackson, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper in the starting lineup.
Javon Small is in the Grizzlies' starting lineup against the Warriors on Wednesday, marking his first career start. He is coming off a strong performance with 21 points, nine assists, and six rebounds in 25 minutes. Small has played over 20 minutes in his last eight games and will have an expanded role against Golden State.
James Harden of the Cleveland Cavaliers has a non-displaced fracture in his right thumb and has been downgraded to out for Wednesday's game against Milwaukee. Surgery is not required, and he plans to play through the injury going forward, with his next chance being Friday at Detroit. The injury is to his non-shooting hand. If Harden is sidelined, Dennis Schroder and Craig Porter could see increased roles. This adds to the Cavaliers' injury concerns, with Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley already out.
P.J. Washington (left ankle) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Kings. He sprained his ankle late in the fourth quarter of Tuesday's win over the Nets. The injury is severe enough that he is also seemingly in jeopardy of missing Friday's contest against the Grizzlies. Caleb Martin and Klay Thompson are expected to be the top candidates to enter the Mavericks' starting lineup in Washington's absence.
Khris Middleton (right shoulder stinger) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Kings. He sustained the injury in Tuesday's game and did not return, putting his availability for the first game of a back-to-back set at risk. Middleton has started in each of his last three appearances for the Mavericks.
Daniel Gafford (right ankle) is listed as doubtful for Thursday's game against the Kings. He is expected to sit out the first game of the Mavericks' back-to-back set to manage the injury, but he should be available to play against the Grizzlies on Friday. Marvin Bagley is projected to step into the starting center spot if Gafford is ruled out for Thursday's contest.
Deni Avdija (back) will remain on the inactive list for Thursday's game in Chicago, marking his second consecutive game on the sidelines. Being ruled out 24 hours in advance suggests the issue is persistent. Kris Murray, Sidy Cissoko, and Matisse Thybulle are expected to continue picking up the slack in Avdija's absence for the Trail Blazers.
Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams is listed as doubtful for Thursday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers due to a right quad strain. It appears the Bulls will be without both Williams and Jalen Smith, who is dealing with a calf injury, for the upcoming contest. This situation could result in major minutes for Guerschon Yabusele, Nick Richards, and Leonard Miller. Managers should check back closer to Thursday's tip-off for official confirmation on Williams' status.
Scottie Barnes has been cleared to play in Wednesday's game against the Spurs, despite bruising his right quadriceps late in Tuesday's loss to the Thunder. Initially listed as questionable for the back-to-back, he participated in morning shootaround without setbacks. Since February 1st, Barnes has been averaging 17.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 2.4 blocks, and 1.9 steals over 33.1 minutes per game.
Kyshawn George is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Hawks due to a left knee contusion. The injury may have occurred during Washington's 119-98 loss to Atlanta on Tuesday, where he played 21 minutes and contributed 11 points, two rebounds, and two assists. Justin Champagnie is considered the top candidate to enter the Wizards' starting lineup if George is unable to play in the rematch.
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. He has been dealing with a back issue for several months, though he has managed to power through and play in the past three games. Managers can expect to receive another update on his status closer to Thursday's tip-off, which will likely be based on his activity level during shootaround.
Joel Embiid is listed as probable for Thursday's game against the Heat, managing right knee injury and right shin soreness. These issues previously caused him to miss five consecutive games before his return on Tuesday against the Pacers, where he played 26 minutes and recorded 27 points, six rebounds, and five assists. The veteran center is expected to play through the lingering injuries.
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam is listed as doubtful for Thursday's game against the Charlotte Hornets due to a left wrist sprain. This designation suggests he is unlikely to play and will likely miss his second consecutive game as he recovers. The veteran forward is considered day-to-day. If Siakam does not play, Ben Sheppard figures to remain in the starting lineup for Thursday's contest.
