Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Brooklyn Nets forward Noah Clowney (back) has been ruled out for Thursday's game in Denver, according to C.J. Holmes. This marks Clowney's third consecutive game on the inactive list due to the injury. Teammates Danny Wolf, Ziaire Williams, and Jalen Wilson are expected to see increased minutes to cover his absence. There is a possibility he could return for Friday's game in Utah.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter (knee) is available to play Wednesday against the Lakers, returning after missing the past two games due to a sore knee. With Evan Mobley (calf) out, Hunter could see an increase in minutes. This season, Hunter has been averaging 13.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.7 triples per contest.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (hand) is available and will start Wednesday's game against the Lakers. Merrill is returning from a six-game absence due to a sprained right hand and will fill the void in the first unit left by the injured Evan Mobley (calf). In his last seven starts, Merrill averaged 16.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 steals in 27.5 minutes per game.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (abdomen) has been ruled out for Thursday's game in Minnesota, marking his fourth consecutive absence. He is currently considered questionable for Sunday's game in Denver. While Mitchell remains sidelined, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins are expected to continue sharing his minutes.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace is questionable for Thursday's game against Minnesota due to left hip soreness. Wallace is aiming to limit his absence to just one game. Should he be unable to play, additional minutes on the wing would be available for Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins, especially with Alex Caruso (adductor) already ruled out.
Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) is not listed on the injury report for Thursday's game in Minnesota, signaling his return from a month-long absence. He is expected to have strict minutes restrictions in his first game back. Hartenstein's return will likely shift Chet Holmgren to the power forward position, moving Jaylin Williams to the bench and potentially removing Branden Carlson from the rotation.
Miami Heat guard Norman Powell (back) is available to play Wednesday against the Magic, confirming his upgrade from probable. He will power through a back issue that has seemingly impacted his recent performance. Over his last three games, Powell has shot 15-for-47 from the field, totaling 47 points. This follows a cold stretch where he shot 41.3 percent over his last seven games. His availability is a positive sign for the Heat despite his recent struggles.
Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (left shoulder sprain) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Magic, marking his fourth consecutive absence. He was previously downgraded to doubtful and is expected to miss four games, though the injury is considered day-to-day. Mitchell still hasn't practiced, and his absence could extend to Friday's game. With Tyler Herro (ribs) also sidelined, Dru Smith, Kasparas Jakucionis, and Pelle Larsson will continue to handle point guard minutes.
Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker (right foot bruise) is available for Wednesday's game against the Bulls, shedding his questionable designation. Walker is cleared to play through the injury. Over his last five appearances, the forward has averaged 15.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.0 steals in 27.5 minutes per game.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (ankle) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Kings. He previously skipped Tuesday's game against the Bucks due to the same ankle injury and is now in danger of sitting out his second straight contest. If Grimes is forced to remain on the sidelines, it would translate to more minutes for teammates Jared McCain and Justin Edwards.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George is probable for Thursday's game against the Kings due to left knee injury management. George has been a consistent presence on the 76ers' injury report throughout the season but remains on track to suit up. Over his last six appearances, the star forward has averaged 16.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.7 steals in 31.7 minutes per contest.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) is probable to play Thursday against the Kings. He is on track to play, with official confirmation expected closer to Thursday's tip-off. The former MVP is averaging 25.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.1 triples, and 1.1 blocks per game this season.
Alex Sarr (illness) did not practice Wednesday and is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Bucks. Reports indicate a bug is circulating the locker room, making Sarr a potential game-time decision. With Marvin Bagley (back) still out and Tristan Vukcevic (hamstring) also injured, the Washington Wizards may need to utilize small-ball lineups. The team recently signed Skal Labissiere to a 10-day contract, who could see minutes if Sarr is unable to play in the front end of their back-to-back set.
Kyle Kuzma (quadricep) has been removed from the injury report and is expected to play in Thursday's game against the Wizards. He previously exited Tuesday's loss to the 76ers with a left quadricep cramp, but the issue is now considered minor. The 30-year-old forward has been a consistent starter, averaging 11.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists over 31.4 minutes in his last four consecutive games for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) is reportedly seeking a trade, with the franchise now open to offers as he's expected to miss several weeks due to his latest calf injury. The Bucks hold an 18-27 record. The Knicks are reportedly making an aggressive offer, with the Heat and Warriors also among teams that could attempt a deadline deal for the superstar forward. A blockbuster trade feels closer than ever.
Russell Westbrook is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the 76ers due to new right foot soreness. Given that Thursday's contest is the first of a back-to-back set, the Sacramento Kings might consider resting the veteran guard. If Westbrook is sidelined, Dennis Schroder, Keon Ellis, and Nique Clifford are potential candidates to see increased playing time and soak up minutes in his absence.
Zach LaVine (back) has been removed from the injury report and is expected to return to the lineup for Thursday's game against the 76ers. He had missed the previous two contests due to lower-back soreness. His return will likely move Nique Clifford back to the bench. In his last 10 games, LaVine has averaged 17.8 points, 2.3 assists, and 2.2 rebounds in 30.7 minutes per contest for the Sacramento Kings.
Houston Rockets center Steven Adams has undergone season-ending left ankle surgery. He was initially sidelined indefinitely after suffering a Grade 3 ankle sprain. Adams averaged 5.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 22.8 minutes over 32 games this season, leading the league with 4.5 offensive rebounds per contest. Under contract through the 2027-28 season, his absence has prompted the Rockets to explore options for adding depth at center. Clint Capela and Dorian Finney-Smith are now expected to split backup duties behind Alperen Sengun.
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George has been cleared from the injury report and is set to play in Wednesday's game against the Warriors. He was given the night off for rest during Tuesday's loss to the Clippers. The third-year guard has been performing well for fantasy managers, averaging 27.3 points, 5.5 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in 34.8 minutes per contest over his last eight games. With George returning, Isaiah Collier is expected to move to the bench for Wednesday's contest.
Franz Wagner (ankle) is out Wednesday vs. Heat and not taking contact, participating only in stationary bike and standstill shooting. He experienced soreness last Thursday in the left ankle, which was previously sprained Dec. 7. Wagner is likely to remain out through Friday's game vs. Raptors. The Magic aren't calling it a setback and haven't ordered an MRI, but he needs to strengthen his ankle before returning. He previously missed 16 games due to the high-ankle sprain. Anthony Black will continue to start.
