Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Detroit Pistons guard Caris LeVert (knee) is confirmed to play in Wednesday's game against the Bulls. He is set to return from a four-game absence, and his minutes may be monitored in his first game back. Over 26 games this season, LeVert has registered averages of 8.4 points, 2.8 assists, and 1.3 triples per contest.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (right ankle soreness) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against Atlanta. He had just returned from a seven-game absence due to a sprained right ankle on Tuesday, playing 35 minutes but struggling offensively, shooting 1-of-9 from the field. This absence is likely for injury management. His next chance to play will come Friday at Washington.
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (hamstring) has been upgraded to probable and is now confirmed available to play in Wednesday's game against Boston. He was held out of Monday's game versus the 76ers for injury maintenance during a back-to-back set. His return is expected to shift Peyton Watson back to the second unit and could slightly reduce Zeke Nnaji's minutes. Gordon may be cleared for slightly more minutes in his return.
Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (shoulder) has been confirmed available for Wednesday's game against the Knicks. He was upgraded to probable earlier and is set to return from a one-game absence. His return will likely lead to reduced involvement for players like Kobe Sanders, who may head back to the second unit, and Jordan Miller.
Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (knee) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Raptors. He was downgraded from probable to questionable earlier, indicating a likely maintenance day for the first leg of a back-to-back set. His absence will mean more opportunities for Sion James and Josh Green. His availability for Thursday's matchup with Indiana remains uncertain.
Jaime Jaquez (ankle) is questionable for Thursday's game against Chicago as he continues to deal with a sprained right ankle, which has caused him to miss back-to-back games. The Miami Heat player is averaging 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists across 29.1 minutes per game this season.
Onyeka Okongwu (illness) was initially downgraded to questionable and has now been officially ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Pelicans. The Atlanta Hawks center was a late addition to the injury report. With Okongwu sidelined, Mouhamed Gueye is expected to see increased minutes. His next opportunity to play will be Friday in Denver.
Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (injury management) will not play in Wednesday's game against the Pistons. This decision is part of injury management for the first night of a back-to-back set, with White expected to return for Thursday's game versus the Heat. His absence will likely lead to increased minutes for Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter, and Jevon Carter.
Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (illness) has been officially cleared to play in Wednesday's game against the Pistons with no reported restrictions. He was upgraded from questionable to probable earlier after participating in shootaround and appearing in good spirits. Buzelis has been performing well, averaging 20.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists over his last four games.
Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones is listed as probable for Wednesday's game in Boston due to an illness. Despite feeling unwell, the illness is not expected to sideline him. Official confirmation on his status is anticipated closer to game time.
Gabe Vincent (back) is not listed on the injury report ahead of Wednesday's matchup with the Spurs, indicating he is set to return from a nine-game absence. His minutes will likely be monitored in his return. With Vincent back in the mix, there might be fewer minutes available for Nick Smith and Marcus Smart.
Anthony Davis is among the players mentioned in the latest NBA trade buzz, with the 2026 NBA trade deadline less than one month away. The report did not provide specific details regarding his trade situation, only noting his inclusion in the league's current rumor mill.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado, 27, will not play in Wednesday's game against Atlanta due to left oblique soreness. This absence is on the second leg of a back-to-back set. The team anticipates a decent chance for his return in Friday's game versus the Wizards. With Alvarado watching from the sidelines Wednesday night, Jordan Hawkins might be able to get into the rotation.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Saddiq Bey (right hip flexor strain) will miss his fourth consecutive game Wednesday against Atlanta. He has not played since New Year's Eve. Bey had been on a roll for over a month, securing a starting spot due to other injuries. His absence will create opportunities for Micah Peavy and Karlo Matkovic, with his next chance to play coming Friday against the Wizards.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Kelly Oubre (knee) has been upgraded to probable for Wednesday's game against the Wizards, signaling his imminent return after being sidelined since mid-November. He is expected to face heavy minutes restrictions in his first game back. Oubre was performing well before his injury, and his return will significantly impact the 76ers' rotation, likely reducing minutes for Quentin Grimes.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey delivered an impressive performance on New Year's Day, recording 34 points, eight rebounds, and 10 assists, along with two steals and two blocks, in a win over the Mavericks. This strong outing earned him 74 fantasy points, highlighting his impact for the Sixers.
New Orleans Pelicans coach James Borrego stated that Dejounte Murray (Achilles) is progressing well but his season debut is not close. Borrego anticipates more clarity on Murray's status within the next month, suggesting he might not return before the All-Star break. Murray, who underwent surgery for a torn Achilles in February 2025, has not provided a personal update since September. The team is evaluating his progress live on the court. Rookie Jeremiah Fears continues to start at point guard in Murray's absence.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley has been quiet since returning from his calf injury, averaging 13.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.6 blocks over his last seven games. His muted production is partly due to averaging only 29 minutes during that span, compared to his season average of 33 minutes. However, his playing time is increasing, with Mobley starting five straight games and averaging 34 minutes over the last three. This presents a rare buy-low opportunity for fantasy managers as he gets further removed from his injury.
Joel Embiid is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against Washington due to left knee injury management and right ankle soreness, with the 76ers considering a maintenance day. This comes after Embiid played in six of the last seven games, averaging 35 minutes, including 40 minutes in his last outing. Over his last six games, he averaged 28.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.2 blocks. Despite his talent, health remains a concern, as he has never played more than 68 games in a season.
LeBron James delivered a strong performance for the Lakers in their 111-103 win over the Pelicans, tallying 30 points (10-19 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 7-7 FT), 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block in 33 minutes. This marks his second 30-point game in his last three outings, alongside Luka Doncic who also scored 30. James reiterated that Doncic is the 'franchise' and teammates must 'bend our game around him.' His availability for Wednesday's back-to-back game against the Spurs is 'TBD' due to his age and career minutes.
