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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Tyler Herro's planned return to the starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Bulls was postponed due to slippery court conditions. This delays his full integration after playing off the bench in his first game back from an 11-game absence due to a toe injury. The postponement impacts the team's rotation, which was expecting a significant boost from his return to a primary role, with the game to be rescheduled.
Norman Powell and the Heat will not play Thursday's game against the Bulls due to condensation on the court, as reported by Shams Charania. The matchup was initially delayed for about two hours while arena staff attempted to make the court playable, but the decision was ultimately made to postpone the game. It is currently unclear when the game will be rescheduled, though the league stated a new date will be communicated at a later time.
Kevin Love will start for the Utah Jazz in Thursday's matchup against the Mavericks, filling in due to Jusuf Nurkic's toe injury. He joins Keyonte George, Brice Sensabaugh, Cody Williams, and Lauri Markkanen in the first unit. In his two previous starts this season, Love averaged 5.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.5 three-pointers per game, indicating a potential boost in production with increased minutes.
Brandon Miller was ejected from Thursday's game against the Pacers after receiving two technical fouls, recording 6 points (2-8 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in 19 minutes. This follows his earlier clearance to play after missing a game due to a left knee contusion, which was deemed precautionary. Miller had been performing well, averaging 24.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.0 blocks in his last seven appearances for the Charlotte Hornets.
Rui Hachimura (calf) is listed as questionable for the Los Angeles Lakers' Friday game against the Bucks. He participated partially in Wednesday's practice with the Lakers' G League affiliate, suggesting he is progressing towards a return. His status will be clearer after Friday's shootaround, and his potential return could reduce playing time for Dalton Knecht and Jake LaRavia.
Jerami Grant (Achilles) will remain on the inactive list for Friday's game against Houston. He has not played since December 18th, and the team has not provided any updates on his rehab process. Grant is considered doubtful for Sunday's matchup against the Knicks, indicating no immediate return is expected. Kris Murray and Caleb Love will continue to see increased playing time in his absence.
Jrue Holiday (calf) is listed as doubtful for Friday's game against the Rockets. This upgrade to doubtful status suggests he is nearing a return from his right calf strain. While he appears unlikely to play against Houston, his return to action could be in the near future. Further updates on his availability are expected soon.
Kel'el Ware will come off the bench for Thursday's game in Chicago, as Tyler Herro returns to the starting lineup. This shift moves Ware back to the second unit. As a reserve this season, Ware has compiled averages of 9.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per contest, indicating his potential impact even in a bench role.
Craig Porter is in the starting lineup for Thursday's matchup with Minnesota, marking his first start this season. He will join Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen in the first unit. Porter is noted for his ability to rack up defensive stats when given minutes, making him a potential streaming target, especially with only four games on Thursday's slate.
Jalen Green (hamstring) is out for Friday's game against the Knicks, with no timetable provided for his return. The Suns have not offered an update since late December, when they noted he was making solid progress and would be re-evaluated in 2-3 weeks. Green can be considered doubtful for Sunday's matchup with the Wizards until further notice, as his recovery continues.
Larry Nance (calf) is available to play Thursday against the Timberwolves, marking his first availability since November 28th. Despite being cleared, he is expected to be eased back into game action after a lengthy layoff. Given the cautious approach, Nance can safely remain on the waiver wire for now, as his playing time will likely be limited initially.
Darius Garland was cleared to play Thursday despite a right hand contusion, following an impressive 29-point, 6-assist performance Tuesday. He continues to battle toe and back injuries from the offseason, impacting his efficiency and quickness. Discussions persist about his pairing with Donovan Mitchell, as Garland-led units have a lower scoring rate, though coach Kenny Atkinson notes his soldier-like effort to return to form.
Onyeka Okongwu (illness) has been removed from the injury report and is set to return for Friday's game in Denver. He missed Wednesday's win over the Pelicans due to the illness. His return should shift Mouhamed Gueye back to the second unit, and Asa Newell could potentially drop from the rotation entirely with Okongwu active and available.
Collin Sexton is confirmed to be in the starting lineup for Thursday's matchup against the Indiana Pacers. He will join Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, Miles Bridges, and Moussa Diabate in the first unit. This season, Sexton has posted averages of 15.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.3 three-pointers, and 1.0 steals per contest when starting.
Andrew Nembhard has been officially ruled out for Thursday's game against the Charlotte Hornets due to lower back soreness. He was a late addition to the injury report and will sit out as a precaution, with his status now considered day-to-day. His next opportunity to play will be Saturday. In his last outing, Nembhard posted 15 points, 11 assists, and one rebound. T.J. McConnell and Ben Sheppard are expected to handle point guard duties in his absence.
Jaime Jaquez (ankle) is set to play Thursday in Chicago, marking his return after a two-game absence. His rejoining the lineup could result in fewer minutes for Pelle Larsson and Simone Fontecchio. This season, Jaquez has been averaging 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 2.1 turnovers per game, and his presence will be a boost for the team.
Isaiah Hartenstein (soleus) will remain sidelined for Friday's game in Memphis, marking his seventh consecutive absence. The Thunder rarely provide timetables for injured players, but being ruled out 24 hours in advance suggests his return is not imminent. With Chet Holmgren (shin) also out, Jalen Williams could be asked to spend more time at center, potentially leading to increased minutes for Aaron Wiggins and Kenrich Williams.
Chet Holmgren has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies due to bilateral shins soreness. This comes after he had played in his team's last nine matchups, indicating he likely picked up the soreness recently. With Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein (calf), and Jaylin Williams (heel) all sidelined, Aaron Wiggins, Kenrich Williams, and Branden Carlson are expected to see increased roles in the frontcourt.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will not suit up for Friday's game in Memphis due to an ankle sprain. He is part of a significantly depleted roster, as Chet Holmgren (shins), Isaiah Hartenstein (soleus), Cason Wallace (toe), and Jaylin Williams (heel) are also on the inactive list. This situation means Jalen Williams will be very busy on offense, and Ajay Mitchell could see substantial minutes. Gilgeous-Alexander's status for Sunday's matchup with Miami is currently questionable.
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is listed as probable for Friday's game against the Atlanta Hawks and is expected to play. However, it will be interesting to observe how much longer his reserve role and any potential minutes restrictions will continue. Official confirmation regarding his status and playing time will be provided closer to Friday's tip-off.
