Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Naji Marshall is questionable for Thursday's game against the Lakers due to a left foot strain. He is dealing with an ailing foot and might miss the Dallas Mavericks' final game before the All-Star break. His status will be clearer after shootaround, but if he is sidelined, Max Christie and Khris Middleton could see increased minutes.
Neemias Queta (left ankle) returned to Wednesday's game against the Bulls with 8:47 remaining in the second quarter. He had exited earlier in the first quarter after landing awkwardly on his ankle, logging under six minutes. However, the Boston Celtics big man has been cleared to return and appears to be good to go for the remainder of the contest, alleviating initial injury concerns.
Cedric Coward (right knee) is out for Wednesday's game against the Nuggets, allowing him 10 days to rest before the All-Star break. His status for the Memphis Grizzlies' first game back, next Friday against Utah, remains uncertain and he should be considered questionable. With Coward sidelined, Cam Spencer and Javon Small are expected to see increased minutes Wednesday evening.
Collin Sexton started Wednesday's game against the Celtics, despite Jaden Ivey initially being announced in the starting five. Sexton ultimately drew the start for the Chicago Bulls. He is expected to see an increase in minutes should Ivey be unable to play for the remainder of the game.
Tari Eason, initially listed as questionable due to injury maintenance for the second leg of a back-to-back, has been cleared to play in Wednesday's game against the Clippers. This marks the first time this season Eason will appear in both games of a back-to-back set, which is an encouraging sign for his health moving forward. He will be looking to bounce back after being limited to just six points on 2-for-10 shooting in his last outing against the Clippers.
Danny Wolf will come off the bench for Wednesday's game against the Pacers. Despite not starting, he still has the potential to play meaningful minutes in a reserve role for the Brooklyn Nets, as Michael Porter (knee), Noah Clowney (ankle), and Nic Claxton (hip) are all sidelined. Wolf has logged at least 20 minutes and recorded double-digit points in each of his previous three outings.
Andre Drummond will come off the bench for Wednesday's game against the Knicks, with Adem Bona replacing him in the starting unit for the Philadelphia 76ers. With Joel Embiid (knee) sidelined, it will be interesting to see how many minutes Drummond earns as a reserve. In 20 games off the bench this season, he has posted averages of 5.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.
Jalen Green has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Thunder due to right hamstring injury management, sitting out the second leg of a back-to-back. Initially listed as questionable for rest, his status has been updated to a hamstring issue. His next opportunity to play will be Feb. 19 against the Spurs. With Devin Booker (ankle) also unavailable, Collin Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin, and Jamaree Bouyea are candidates for increased playing time and will likely see expanded roles in the Suns' lineup.
Devin Booker has been officially ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Thunder due to right ankle injury management. This decision comes as the Suns play the second leg of a back-to-back, with Booker having recently returned from injury. He is expected to return for Phoenix's first game after the All-Star break on Feb. 19. With Jalen Green (hamstring) and Grayson Allen (knee) also sidelined, Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin are expected to see significantly increased roles and offensive responsibilities for the Suns.
Anthony Edwards, initially listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Trail Blazers due to an illness, has been confirmed as available to play. Despite waking up unwell, the star guard is feeling well enough to suit up. Edwards has been a top fantasy performer, with at least 50 fantasy points in six of his past eight games and 30+ real-life points in five of his past six. In his last six games, he is averaging 31.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals across 37.8 minutes. He has previously expressed skepticism about playing in the All-Star Game, seeking rest.
Atlanta Hawks guard CJ McCollum will come off the bench for Wednesday's game in Charlotte. He received a spot-start in Monday's loss to Minnesota with Dyson Daniels (ankle) unavailable, but Daniels is back and starting Wednesday, moving McCollum back to his reserve role. In 13 games off the bench this season, McCollum has posted averages of 17.9 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.3 triples per contest.
Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker (illness) is available for Wednesday's game against the Nets, returning after a one-game absence. With Pascal Siakam (hamstring) unavailable for Wednesday's contest, Walker is expected to see a significant increase in shot opportunities. He has been in strong form, hitting double digits in the scoring department in nine straight games.
Charlotte Hornets center Ryan Kalkbrenner is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's matchup with the Hawks. He is getting the start with Moussa Diabate (suspended) unavailable. Kalkbrenner will be joined in the first unit by LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, and Grant Williams. Over 26 starts this season, Kalkbrenner has registered averages of 8.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game.
Brooklyn Nets forward Noah Clowney (ankle) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Pacers. Clowney was previously upgraded to available for the contest but was unable to get through pregame warmups, leading to his late scratch. The 21-year-old's next opportunity to play will be against Cleveland on Feb. 19. Danny Wolf, Jalen Wilson, and Ziaire Williams are candidates for increased playing time due to Clowney being sidelined.
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (toe) will miss Wednesday's game against the 76ers, marking his fourth consecutive absence due to a toe injury. Head coach Mike Brown confirmed Anunoby is considered day-to-day entering the All-Star Break, indicating a positive outlook for his return. Anunoby will use the upcoming break to rest and recover, with a potential return to action anticipated for February 19, when the Knicks are scheduled to play against the Pistons.
Washington Wizards' Alex Sarr was ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Cavaliers due to right hamstring tightness, missing the team's final game before the All-Star break. He was initially downgraded to questionable, reflecting the Wizards' cautious approach. With Tristan Vukcevic (illness) also sidelined, Anthony Gill is expected to see increased minutes and be a top option at the center position. Sarr's next opportunity to play will be after the All-Star break, when the Wizards return to action on Feb. 19.
Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (back/reconditioning) is available for Wednesday's game against the Pistons, making his return after being sidelined since Dec. 21 due to a lower-back strain. He will be on an unspecified minutes restriction for the team's final game before the All-Star break. His return will leave fewer minutes available for players like Sandro Mamukelashvili and Trayce Jackson-Davis. Over 21 regular-season appearances this season, Poeltl has averaged 9.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 25.3 minutes per contest.
Philadelphia 76ers center Dominick Barlow (illness) will play Wednesday versus the Knicks, returning from a one-game absence. With Joel Embiid (knee) skipping Wednesday's game, Barlow is expected to see increased opportunities in terms of shots and minutes. This season, Barlow is averaging 8.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game, and his return will be timely for the shorthanded 76ers.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Knicks due to an illness, marking his second consecutive missed contest. He will have until Feb. 19 against the Hawks to recover. With Grimes unavailable, Kyle Lowry and Justin Edwards are expected to see an uptick in minutes, and Dalen Terry could enter the rotation for the 76ers.
Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Pacers due to right hip soreness. This will be only his third missed game of the season. Claxton will have the All-Star break to recover, with his next chance to play coming on Feb. 19 against the Cavaliers. With Claxton unavailable, Day'Ron Sharpe is expected to get the starting nod, and Danny Wolf could see increased playing time.
