Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Peyton Watson has been ruled out for Thursday's game against Orlando due to a right trunk contusion, marking his first missed game of the 2025-26 regular season. The Denver Nuggets forward has started in each of the team's last 14 games, and his absence could open up starting minutes for Tim Hardaway or Zeke Nnaji. Watson's next opportunity to play will be Saturday against the Rockets.
Zion Williamson will be deployed off the bench for Thursday's game against Houston, marking his second consecutive game in a reserve role. This decision is part of the team's strategy to ease him back into action following a right adductor strain. Saddiq Bey will draw another start at power forward as a result, though his time with the first unit is expected to be limited.
Victor Wembanyama will remain on a minutes restriction and come off the bench for Thursday's game against the Wizards. This marks his third consecutive game as a reserve, following a left calf strain. He logged 25 minutes off the bench in the NBA Cup title game Tuesday. Head coach Mitch Johnson indicated they would be "mindful" of his minutes, especially with a back-to-back. Luke Kornet will continue to start in his place as the Spurs monitor his return.
Ryan Rollins will come off the bench for Thursday's game against Toronto. This move comes as head coach Doc Rivers shakes up the starting unit following the Bucks' recent 45-point loss to the Nets. Rollins' minutes have been in the mid-20s over his last three games, and his playing time in a reserve role will be closely watched.
Sandro Mamukelashvili is slated to join the Raptors' starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Bucks. This will be his third start of the regular season, filling in due to Jakob Poeltl's absence for injury management. Mamukelashvili has seen an expanded role in his first season with Toronto, averaging 10.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.1 threes in 21.7 minutes over his last 12 games.
Justin Champagnie will revert to a bench role for Thursday's game against the Spurs, as Alex Sarr has been cleared to return from a six-game absence due to a right adductor strain. Champagnie had started in four of the Wizards' last five games, averaging 10.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.2 threes, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks over 24.4 minutes per game during that span.
Marvin Bagley will come off the bench for Thursday's game in San Antonio, as Alex Sarr is back and starting. Bagley's return to a reserve role is expected to impact his value. This season, as a member of the second unit, Bagley has averaged 7.2 points and 4.2 rebounds in 14.6 minutes per game.
Grayson Allen has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Warriors due to right knee soreness, as reported by Kellan Olson of ArizonaSports.com. His absence opens up starting lineup opportunities for Jordan Goodwin, Ryan Dunn, and Royce O'Neal. Allen's next chance to play will be Saturday in a rematch against Golden State.
AJ Green (shoulder) is available for Thursday's game against the Raptors, returning from a three-game absence due to a shoulder sprain. He is expected to join the Bucks' starting five, filling in for Kyle Kuzma (illness). Green has started all 24 regular-season games he has appeared in this season, averaging 11.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 3.3 threes over 29.0 minutes per game.
Kel'el Ware is in the Heat's starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Nets, as reported by Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald. Miami will utilize a two-big starting five with Ware and Bam Adebayo, while Simone Fontecchio moves to the bench. Ware has started in 16 of 26 regular-season games, averaging 11.9 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks over 26.4 minutes per game as a starter.
Naji Marshall (illness) is available for Thursday's game against the Pistons, as reported by Christian Clark of The Athletic. Despite being a late addition to the injury report, Marshall is prepared to play through his illness. The versatile forward has started seven consecutive games, averaging 15.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.3 steals in 32.7 minutes per game during that span.
Ian Clark was listed in articles related to Dallas Mavericks player updates. One report discussed D'Angelo Russell's return from illness for Thursday's game against the Pistons, noting Russell's declining minutes. Another article confirmed Naji Marshall's availability for the same game despite an illness. Clark's inclusion in these reports appears to be purely contextual, with no specific news regarding his own status or performance.
D'Angelo Russell (illness) is available to play Thursday against the Pistons, as reported by Christian Clark of The Athletic. Russell is set to return from a two-game absence. Despite his return, his minutes have been on a decline in Dallas, with him logging only 20 minutes since November and often playing in the teens. This limited playing time makes it challenging for Russell to make a significant impact in most fantasy leagues, raising questions about his consistent role.
Jakob Poeltl (injury management) has been officially ruled out for the Toronto Raptors' game against the Bucks on Thursday. This decision follows an earlier downgrade from probable to questionable, indicating a maintenance day for his lingering back soreness. The Raptors have not played since Monday, and this is not a back-to-back set, raising some concern. With Poeltl unavailable, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Murray-Boyles are expected to see increased minutes.
Mohamed Diawara is in the starting lineup for Thursday's matchup with the Pacers, as reported by Stefan Bondy of The New York Post. This will mark the first NBA start of his career. His promotion comes due to the unavailability of key players, including Karl-Anthony Towns (knee), Mitchell Robinson (ankle), and Josh Hart (abdomen). Diawara will join Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Ariel Hukporti in the first unit for the Knicks.
Lauri Markkanen (right groin injury) will not play Thursday night against the Los Angeles Lakers. This absence is considered a maintenance day for injury management, and the Utah Jazz leading scorer is expected to return for Saturday's game against Orlando. His absence may lead to increased playing time for players such as Taylor Hendricks, Kyle Filipowski, Brice Sensabaugh, and Kyle Anderson, who could step up in his stead.
Joel Embiid is questionable for Friday's game against the New York Knicks due to an illness. As Friday marks the front half of a back-to-back for the Philadelphia 76ers, his availability will be closely monitored. Should Embiid be unable to play, Andre Drummond is expected to step into the starting lineup, which would significantly boost his fantasy appeal. An update on Embiid's status is anticipated closer to tipoff.
Tyrese Maxey is not listed on the injury report and is expected to return for Friday's game in New York. He missed the past two games for the Philadelphia 76ers due to an illness, but will be back in action Friday night. His return will likely shift Quentin Grimes back to the second unit and result in fewer minutes available for teammates Jared McCain and Kyle Lowry.
Donovan Mitchell has been added to the injury report and is questionable for Friday's game against the Bulls due to an illness. The star guard's availability for the Cleveland Cavaliers is currently uncertain, as he has evidently picked up an illness over the last few days. The team is expected to monitor his condition closely leading up to tipoff to determine if he will be able to suit up.
Josh Hart (abdomen) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Pacers. He joins Mitchell Robinson (ankle) and Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) on the sidelines, leaving the New York Knicks short-handed. This absence is expected to open up ample minutes for players like Guerschon Yabusele and Jordan Clarkson. Hart is currently considered questionable for Friday's game against the 76ers as he deals with the abdomen injury.
