Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Dylan Cardwell is set to sign a four-year deal with the Sacramento Kings on Thursday, with the first two years fully guaranteed. The Kings are converting him from a two-way contract. Cardwell has been performing well over his past eight games, averaging 4.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 2.1 blocks per contest.
Justin Champagnie will start for the Washington Wizards on Thursday versus the Pistons. With Khris Middleton recently traded, Champagnie could emerge as a trade deadline winner if he secures his spot in the starting lineup. In 11 starts this season, he has recorded averages of 8.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 0.9 three-pointers per contest, with shooting splits of 51/35/80.
Tobias Harris is out for Thursday's game against the Wizards due to a sore left hip. This absence is for the first half of a back-to-back set, allowing the 33-year-old forward a chance to catch a breather. Harris is expected to be available for Friday's showdown with the Knicks. Isaiah Stewart will draw the spot start at power forward in his stead.
Lonzo Ball, currently with the Cleveland Cavaliers, is listed among notable NBA buyout candidates who could potentially change teams after the trade deadline.
Mike Conley was waived by the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday, an expected move after his acquisition. The 38-year-old veteran is now free to join a team of his choosing, with a potential return to Minnesota. He is anticipated to serve primarily as a veteran locker room presence rather than an on-court asset for his next team. Conley is also listed among notable NBA buyout candidates.
Aaron Nesmith (hand) is not listed on the injury report ahead of Friday's game in Milwaukee, indicating his return to action. He missed Tuesday's loss to the Jazz with a minor hand injury but will be back. Nesmith's return may result in Ben Sheppard returning to a reserve role. This season, Nesmith is averaging 13.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.5 three-pointers per game.
Pascal Siakam (rest) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Friday's matchup with Milwaukee. He was given a rest day on the second leg of a back-to-back set in Tuesday's loss to Utah, but he'll be back in the mix with his usual minutes. Siakam's return should result in Jarace Walker heading back to the bench, and Johnny Furphy's usage rate will likely dip.
Julius Randle is questionable for Friday's game against the Pelicans due to left thumb soreness, returning to the injury report for this issue. He managed to play through the injury Wednesday against Toronto. Expect the team to clarify his status closer to tipoff.
Andrew Nembhard (lower back) is off the injury report for Friday's game against the Bucks, indicating his return to the court. He sat out Tuesday's loss to the Jazz for lower-back injury management but is primed to return. Over his last 11 contests, Nembhard has averaged 17.5 points, 9.0 assists, and 4.4 rebounds in 32.8 minutes per game. Ben Sheppard could be headed to the bench Friday.
Bobby Portis (hip) is questionable for Friday's game versus the Pacers. He has missed the past two games, but it looks like there's a chance he could return. If Portis can get back out there, Amir Coffey would likely head back to the second unit, and there would be fewer minutes available for Andre Jackson and Pete Nance.
Jakob Poeltl (back) has been reacting well to increased workloads, and the Raptors are hopeful he can return before the All-Star break. While already ruled out for Thursday's game against the Bulls, he could potentially return for either Sunday's game versus the Pacers or next Wednesday's game against the Pistons. Poeltl, out since December 21, will likely have some heavy restrictions in his first game back but is worth grabbing if he's floating around on your waiver wire. Collin Murray-Boyles' value will take a hit once Poeltl is back in the mix.
Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson is set to make his season debut Friday against Memphis after recovering from a torn left hamstring sustained last fall. The 2023 No. 3 overall pick has completed a long rehab, but fantasy managers should not expect his minutes to reach the 20s initially. His return is likely to impact Caleb Love's playing time in the Portland backcourt, though Love is expected to remain in the rotation.
Atlanta Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu (mouth) is officially out for Thursday's game against Utah, marking his fourth consecutive absence. Okongwu underwent dental surgery on January 29 and is still recovering. His next potential opportunity to return to action will be Saturday when the Hawks face the Hornets.
Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (thumb) is not listed on the injury report for Friday's matchup against the Heat, indicating he will return to action after a one-game absence. His return is expected to lead to fewer minutes for Hugo Gonzalez, Jordan Walsh, and Ron Harper. This season, Hauser is averaging 9.2 points and 2.6 three-pointers per game.
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (hamstring/knee) is not listed on the injury report and is expected to play in Friday's game against the Heat. Brown was previously sidelined for Wednesday's matchup against the Rockets due to knee soreness and hamstring tightness. He has been in strong form to start February, recording 30 or more points in each of his first two appearances this month.
The Memphis Grizzlies are keeping star guard Ja Morant past the trade deadline. This decision comes amid lukewarm interest around the league for Morant, indicating that no significant offers materialized to prompt a move. He will remain with the team for the foreseeable future.
Norman Powell (personal) is not listed on the injury report ahead of Friday's game in Boston, signaling his return to action. He will be back on the court following a three-game personal absence. His return is expected to shift Simone Fontecchio back to the second unit and will likely result in a reduction of minutes for Myron Gardner.
Andrew Wiggins (hamstring) is available for Friday's game against Boston after being unavailable for Tuesday's loss to the Hawks due to left hamstring tightness. Wiggins is ready to return to the court, which should see Simone Fontecchio return to the bench. He has been in strong form, scoring in double digits in 11 consecutive contests, during which he has averaged 15.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.1 steals in 29.7 minutes per game.
Coby White will be held out through the All-Star break in an abundance of caution to help rest his ailing right calf, an injury he has been dealing with all season. He will miss the next four games for the Charlotte Hornets. With the Hornets coming out of the break with a back-to-back set, there's a chance White will need to remain on the sidelines for their matchup with the Rockets on Feb. 19. Extended rest is hoped to finally resolve the issue.
The Brooklyn Nets waived Cam Thomas on Thursday after failing to find a trade partner, making him a free agent. Sources confirm he can now sign with any team and is expected to clear waivers. While Thomas possesses scoring ability, his shot selection and struggles to impact other areas of the box score have been problematic for his NBA development. It will be interesting to see what kind of deal he is able to fetch on the open market.
