Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Jalen Johnson (calf) will not play Wednesday against the Clippers, as reported by Kevin Chouinard of the Hawks' official site. Johnson was a very late addition to the injury report, initially listed as questionable before the Atlanta Hawks ruled him out just minutes later. His absence could open up more opportunities for players like Mouhamed Gueye, Zaccharie Risacher, and Vit Krejci.
Kris Murray (hip) will not play Wednesday against the Cavs. With Murray unavailable for the Portland Trail Blazers, Caleb Love and Rayan Rupert could see an uptick in minutes. Murray should be considered questionable for the team's next game on Friday in Detroit, as his status will be re-evaluated closer to that matchup.
Detroit Pistons' Duncan Robinson (ankle) will miss his second consecutive game Wednesday against the Bucks. Previously listed as questionable, he participated in the morning shootaround, suggesting he is close to a return. His absence will likely lead to increased minutes for Daniss Jenkins. Robinson's ankle injury keeps him sidelined, but his participation in shootaround is an encouraging step forward.
Milwaukee Bucks' Kevin Porter (back) is available to play Wednesday against the Pistons. He is currently fighting through a muscle spasm in his lower back. This marks his third appearance since returning from a lengthy absence, and he is still working to ramp up his minutes into the mid-30s. His return provides a boost for the Bucks.
Houston Rockets' Josh Okogie will return to the starting lineup for Wednesday's matchup against the Kings, replacing Reed Sheppard in a matchup-based decision by coach Ime Udoka. He is expected to play minutes in the mid-20s. In 12 games as a starter this season, Okogie has averaged 7.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 triples, and 1.9 steals per game, providing a boost to the starting unit.
Chicago Bulls' Tre Jones (ankle) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Nets. He tweaked his ankle during Monday's loss to the Magic, leading to his absence. His injury is expected to open up minutes for Jevon Carter in the second unit. Jones is currently considered questionable for the Bulls' upcoming game on Friday against the Pacers, with his return timeline uncertain.
Portland Trail Blazers' second-year center Donovan Clingan (left lower leg contusion) is cleared to play Wednesday against the Cavaliers. Despite the injury, he will not be sidelined. In 20 games this season, Clingan has averaged 10.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.5 blocks per contest, providing a strong presence in the paint for the Blazers.
New York Knicks' OG Anunoby (hamstring) has been cleared for contact in practice, marking an encouraging step in his recovery. This progress comes almost three weeks after he sustained a strained left hamstring. Despite this positive development, a definitive timeline for his return to game action remains unavailable. While he is sidelined, Josh Hart and Guerschon Yabusele are expected to continue in expanded roles.
Herbert Jones (calf) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Timberwolves, marking his seventh consecutive absence. The New Orleans Pelicans have not provided any updates on his recovery, making him doubtful for Saturday's game in Brooklyn. Saddiq Bey and Bryce McGowens are expected to continue seeing increased minutes for the banged-up Pelicans due to his ongoing absence.
Quentin Grimes (calf) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Warriors. He remains day-to-day after missing Tuesday's game against the Wizards. As Thursday's game is the first of a back-to-back set, a maintenance day for Grimes could be a possibility in one of the upcoming games.
Paul George (knee) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Warriors. This game is the front end of a back-to-back set, and George is reportedly cleared to play in only one of these contests. It is currently uncertain whether he will suit up Thursday or Friday against the Bucks.
Joel Embiid (knee) is doubtful for Thursday's game against the Warriors, likely marking his second consecutive absence after sitting out Tuesday for right knee injury management. The 76ers might be planning for him to play in Friday's back-to-back game against the Bucks, but his troublesome injury history leaves his status uncertain. Andre Drummond is expected to see heavy reliance on Thursday.
Alex Sarr (thigh) has been officially ruled out for Thursday's game against the Celtics, marking his third consecutive absence. The Washington Wizards center was ruled out a full day in advance, which is concerning. With no updates on Sarr ramping up his workload, he is considered doubtful for Saturday's game against the Hawks. Marvin Bagley and Tristan Vukcevic are expected to continue filling in during Sarr's prolonged absence.
Khris Middleton (knee) has been officially cleared from the injury report and is set to play in Thursday's game against Boston. The 34-year-old forward is returning after a one-game absence during Tuesday's matchup against Philadelphia. This season, Middleton has averaged 10.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists across 25.9 minutes per contest over 15 games. His return provides a boost for the Washington Wizards.
Jakob Poeltl (rest) will sit out Thursday's game against the Lakers, as reported by Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca. This decision follows Poeltl getting the night off for Sunday's game against the Knicks, which was the second half of Toronto's back-to-back set. Despite being off the injury report for Tuesday's game against Portland, the Raptors' veteran big man will be rested. Poeltl has averaged 10.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 26.5 minutes across 15 games this season.
Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker suffered a right groin strain Monday against the Los Angeles Lakers. The team announced Wednesday that Booker will be reevaluated in one week, indicating he will be sidelined for at least that period.
Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics) is battling an illness and is considered doubtful for Thursday's game against the Wizards, as reported by NBA reporter Marc Stein. The team does not anticipate him being available for the matchup. In Brown's likely absence, Jordan Walsh, Sam Hauser, and Josh Minott are expected to see an increased workload in the frontcourt, making them potential deep-league streaming options.
Miami Heat swingman Norman Powell has been officially ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Mavericks due to a sprained left ankle. Powell will require at least one contest to recover and is considered day-to-day ahead of the team's next back-to-back set, which commences Friday in Orlando. Jaime Jaquez appears to be the most likely candidate to step into the starting lineup for Wednesday's matchup, raising his streaming appeal.
Golden State Warriors veteran guard De'Anthony Melton is slated to make his highly anticipated season debut on Thursday against the Sixers, sources informed ESPN. Melton's return marks a significant step as he comes back to action after recovering from ACL surgery, providing a boost to the Warriors' lineup.
Jimmy Butler is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the 76ers, battling left knee soreness. The star forward exited Tuesday's game against the Thunder due to the issue but has a chance to avoid an extended absence. Should Butler be sidelined, teammates Moses Moody and Buddy Hield are expected to see an increase in their playing minutes, impacting the team's rotation.
