Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Kel'el Ware (hamstring) is available for Thursday's game in Chicago. The Miami Heat player saw only seven minutes off the bench in his return from a four-game absence on Wednesday. It remains to be seen if he will be cleared for significantly more playing time Thursday night as he works his way back from the hamstring injury, making him a risky target in daily fantasy leagues.
Bulls point guard Josh Giddey will not play in Thursday's game against the Miami Heat due to hamstring injury maintenance. He was initially listed as questionable for the contest, which is the second leg of a back-to-back set, after playing 29 minutes in Wednesday's loss. The team is managing his workload, and more load management is anticipated with another back-to-back set this weekend. Chicago will likely increase minutes for Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, Isaac Okoro, and Kevin Huerter to cover his absence.
Darius Garland (toe) is out for Friday's game against the Phoenix Suns. The Cleveland Cavaliers are expected to re-evaluate his right toe sprain in the imminent future. It remains unknown if the star guard will join the team or has a chance to return at any point during their upcoming five-game road trip. Until more clarity emerges on Garland's status, Jaylon Tyson and Sam Merrill are considered worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.
Santi Aldama (knee) is ruled out for Friday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. This marks his second consecutive missed game after sustaining a right knee injury. Jock Landale, who entered the starting five in Aldama's place on Wednesday, is expected to do so again for Friday's matchup, filling the void left by Aldama's absence.
Mitchell Robinson (ankle) is not listed on the injury report and is expected to play in Friday's game against Portland. He missed Wednesday's win over the Raptors for rest during a back-to-back. Robinson is averaging 4.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 19.7 minutes per game this season.
Neemias Queta is probable for Friday's game against the Kings due to an illness. After sitting out Wednesday's loss to the Hawks, Queta appears set to return to the court. Over his last six appearances, he has averaged 9.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 1.3 steals in 25.9 minutes per game.
Josh Hart is questionable for Friday's game against the Trail Blazers due to right ankle soreness. Hart has appeared on the injury report with an ankle issue previously but managed to play through it Wednesday against Toronto. The team will likely make a decision closer to tipoff regarding his availability for Friday evening.
Deni Avdija is questionable for Friday's game against the Knicks due to a lower-back strain. The star forward recently missed two games with the injury, and Portland continues to monitor his health. If Avdija is unable to play, Sidy Cissoko would likely start, with Caleb Love potentially seeing increased minutes off the bench.
Jaylen Brown is considered doubtful for Friday's game against the Kings due to a right knee contusion and left hamstring tightness. Brown appears headed for a night off as he deals with several lower-body injuries. If he is downgraded to out before tipoff, Hugo Gonzalez would likely draw a start at small forward.
Austin Reaves is questionable for Friday's game against the Wizards with a left calf strain. The questionable tag is an encouraging sign, potentially allowing Reaves to suit up for the first time since December 25. If he returns, Marcus Smart's fantasy value and Jarred Vanderbilt's minutes could be impacted.
Hawks forward Jalen Johnson is out for Thursday's game against the Rockets due to left calf tightness. He played 33 minutes in Wednesday's victory over the Celtics but will miss the second game of the back-to-back. With Onyeka Okongwu (face) also ruled out, Atlanta may need to rely on Corey Kispert and Luke Kennard for significant frontcourt minutes.
San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant has accepted an invitation to compete in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, slated for the upcoming All-Star weekend in Los Angeles. Bryant will join other participants, including Lakers center Jaxson Hayes, to showcase his dunking prowess on a national stage.
Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes has accepted an invitation to participate in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. The event is scheduled for the upcoming All-Star weekend in Los Angeles. Hayes will join other participants, including Spurs rookie Carter Bryant, to showcase his aerial talents on the big stage.
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner will miss Friday's game against the Raptors due to left ankle injury management, marking his fifth consecutive absence. The Magic are taking a cautious approach with the star forward, who is not taking contact in practice as he works to fully resolve the injury. Anthony Black, who has thrived in the 2025-26 season, remains locked into the starting lineup until Wagner is ready to return.
Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu will miss Thursday's game against Houston due to a dental fracture, having lost at least one tooth after being elbowed in the face. He exited Wednesday's game early with a facial contusion, which was later updated to the more severe dental fracture. His availability for Saturday's game against the Pacers is currently unknown. In his absence, Christian Koloko and Mouhamed Gueye are expected to receive increased minutes at center.
Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green is officially out for Thursday's game against the Pistons, citing right hamstring injury management. This ongoing issue has troubled Green since training camp, prompting the Suns to continue exercising caution with their star guard. While Green remains sidelined, Jordan Goodwin is expected to take on a more prominent role in the backcourt, with Jamaree Bouyea also remaining in the mix.
Henderson (hamstring) has been cleared to participate in contact drills at practice, a significant step in his rehab from a torn left hamstring that has prevented his season debut. The third-year guard will require a ramp-up period before game action and is slated for heavy restrictions once cleared to play for the Portland Trail Blazers.
Marshall will be rested Thursday against the Hornets, sitting out the second leg of this back-to-back set. He has been shouldering a significant workload for the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 31.5 minutes over his last six games. Meanwhile, Cooper Flagg is off the injury report, and Klay Thompson (knee) is probable to play.
Matas Buzelis is highlighted in SportsLine's daily Fantasy basketball picks for Thursday, January 29. Daily Fantasy professional Mike McClure, who boasts over $2 million in winnings, has included Buzelis in his optimal NBA DFS lineup advice for the day's slate of games. This suggests Buzelis is considered a strong play for fantasy managers.
Russell Westbrook (foot) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the 76ers, unable to shake off his questionable tag. In his absence, the Sacramento Kings are expected to lean more heavily on Dennis Schroder, Keon Ellis, and Nique Clifford. Westbrook's status for Friday's matchup against Boston remains uncertain, pending further evaluation of his foot injury.
