Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
P.J. Washington will start against the Suns on Tuesday, Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News reports. Washington came off the bench in Saturday's loss to the Spurs following a two-game absence due to a concussion, though he'll return to the starting five against Phoenix. As a starter this season (34 games), he has averaged 14.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.0 steals in 31.3 minutes per tilt.
Austin Reaves will miss Tuesday's game against the San Antonio Spurs due to left calf injury management, sitting out the second leg of a back-to-back set for rest purposes. He is expected to return to action on Thursday against Dallas. The Lakers will be significantly shorthanded for Tuesday's contest, with LeBron James (foot), Luka Doncic (hamstring), and Marcus Smart (ankle) also sidelined, as confirmed by SportsLine's model.
LeBron James will miss Tuesday's game against the Spurs due to a foot injury, marking his 18th absence this season. This officially rules him out for postseason awards, ending his remarkable 21-season All-NBA streak, a mark likely never to be broken. The Lakers star also publicly stated the team is "not a championship team" following a recent loss to Oklahoma City. Los Angeles will be extremely shorthanded for the Spurs game, also missing Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic, and Marcus Smart, as confirmed by SportsLine's model.
Markkanen (rest) is now available for Wednesday's game against the Kings, despite initially being ruled out. The Jazz forward is set to suit up, though he may sit Thursday's game against Portland as it's the second half of a back-to-back. Over his last four outings, Markkanen has averaged 22.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 25.5 minutes per tilt.
Westbrook (left ankle soreness) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Jazz. This ankle issue is a new concern for the Kings guard, whose next opportunity to play will be after the All-Star break on Feb. 19 against the Magic. Sacramento will be extremely shorthanded in their final game before the break, with Nique Clifford, Devin Carter, and Daeqwon Plowden expected to see increased minutes.
LaVine (finger soreness) is out for Wednesday's game against the Jazz, marking his third consecutive absence. He will now have over a week to rest and recover during the All-Star break, with his next chance to play not coming until after Feb. 19. In his absence, Nique Clifford and Devin Carter are expected to see increased playing time for the shorthanded Kings.
Sabonis (back) is out for Wednesday's game against the Jazz, marking his fourth consecutive absence due to a back injury. After being ruled out for Wednesday, the Kings big man will have just over another week to recover during the All-Star break, with Sacramento's next game scheduled for Feb. 19.
Coward (right knee) is doubtful for Wednesday's game against Denver after picking up the injury during Monday's contest against the Warriors. With Walter Clayton (calf) also doubtful, the Grizzlies could see Cam Spencer, Javon Small, and Jahmai Mashack take on expanded roles in the rotation.
George (right ankle sprain) will miss his second straight game Wednesday against the Kings. He'll have one final opportunity to return before the All-Star break on Thursday against the Trail Blazers. In George's absence, Isaiah Collier is expected to be in line for another start for the Utah Jazz.
Aldama (right knee) is out for Wednesday's game against the Nuggets, marking his fourth consecutive absence. The Grizzlies forward will now have 10 days to recover from his injury during the All-Star break, with Memphis's next game scheduled for Feb. 20 against Utah.
Aaron Nesmith (hand) has been cleared to play in Tuesday's game against the Knicks, shedding his questionable tag. The Indiana Pacers forward missed last Tuesday's loss to Utah due to a left hand strain but will suit up for the front end of this back-to-back set. Over his last six outings, Nesmith has averaged 14.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists across 30.2 minutes per game.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell has been replaced in the Rising Stars game by Hawks second-year forward Zaccharie Risacher due to an unspecified injury. Mitchell's absence opens a spot for Risacher to participate in the upcoming event.
Zaccharie Risacher has been named to the Rising Stars game as an injury replacement for Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell. However, the Hawks second-year forward is also listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against Charlotte due to a new left quadriceps contusion. This injury comes after he had played in five consecutive games since returning from a prior knee issue. He is expected to undergo re-evaluation closer to Wednesday's tipoff to determine his availability.
OG Anunoby (toe) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against Indiana, marking his third consecutive absence due to toe soreness in his right foot. The New York Knicks forward's next and final opportunity to suit up before the All-Star break will be Wednesday against Philadelphia. With Anunoby sidelined, Landry Shamet and Mohamed Diawara are expected to see increased minutes.
Christian Braun is listed as probable for Wednesday's game against Memphis due to a left ankle sprain. The Denver Nuggets guard also carried a probable designation for Monday's game against the Cavs and was able to suit up, suggesting he has a good chance to play in the team's final game before the All-Star break. Since returning from a 12-game absence, Braun is averaging 10.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in four appearances.
Jamal Murray is listed as probable for Wednesday's game against the Grizzlies, battling left hip inflammation. He sustained the hip injury during Saturday's contest against the Bulls but has continued to play through it, avoiding any missed games. The Nuggets guard is expected to suit up for the upcoming matchup.
Joel Embiid is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the New York Knicks due to a knee issue. He was previously sidelined on Monday for right knee injury management, indicating the 76ers' cautious approach to ensure his health leading into the All-Star break. An update on his availability for the final game before the break is expected closer to tipoff.
Evan Mobley has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Wizards, marking his seventh consecutive absence due to a left calf strain. His next potential return to action is slated for February 19 against Brooklyn. With Dean Wade (ankle) also sidelined, the Cavaliers may see increased minutes for Jaylon Tyson, Nae'Qwan Tomlin, and Sam Merrill to compensate for the frontcourt absences.
Jalen Johnson is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Charlotte Hornets due to left knee inflammation. He missed Monday's game because of the issue and is now considered a game-time decision. Johnson will likely need to demonstrate his health during shootaround and warmups before receiving clearance to return to action.
Dyson Daniels is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Charlotte Hornets due to a right ankle issue. He previously missed Monday's matchup against the Timberwolves and is now at risk of missing a second consecutive game. The team is expected to provide a further update on his status closer to tipoff.
