NBA News

Deandre Ayton • C • Lakers

Deandre Ayton Ruled Out on Thursday

According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (knee) will not suit up for Thursday's matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. He's set to miss his second straight contest due to right knee soreness. With Ayton sidelined, Jaxson Hayes is expected to draw another start, while Maxi Kleber should handle increased minutes off the bench. In his starts this campaign, Hayes has averaged 11.0 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. Dallas has surrendered the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing centers, making this a favorable matchup for the Lakers' frontcourt.

5 hours ago

Isaiah Hartenstein • C • Thunder

Isaiah Hartenstein Resting on Thursday

Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (rest) will not play on Thursday against the Bucks in the second game of his team's back-to-back set before the All-Star break. Hartenstein played only 18 minutes on Wednesday in the Thunder's blowout win in Phoenix, producing eight points, six assists, and four rebounds. Despite the light workload, he'll get Thursday off, with Jaylin Williams in a great spot to step up in his place. Kenrich Williams could also be in the mix more, and the team could also go with more small-ball lineups against Milwaukee. Jaylin Williams is the main value to target for streaming and DFS usage while Hartenstein is sidelined.

6 hours ago

Jalen Williams • SF • Thunder

Jalen Williams Will Not Play Thursday Against the Bucks

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (hamstring) missed 10 straight games from Jan. 19 to Feb. 7 and left Wednesday's game after aggravating the injury. Williams will miss at least Thursday's game, but the team could be cautious to try to get him back for their playoff push. Williams, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen), and Isaiah Hartenstein (rest) will all be absent from Thursday's favorable matchup against the Bucks, leaving lots of potential production available for Jaylin Williams, Aaron Wiggins, Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, and Alex Caruso.

6 hours ago

Deni Avdija • SF • Trail Blazers

Deni Avdija Listed As Questionable on Thursday

Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (lower back injury management) is uncertain to play on Thursday night in Utah after being listed as questionable for the second game of his team's back-to-back. Avdija had a huge night with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists on Monday in a win over the 76ers, but he only managed 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists on Wednesday in a loss to the Timberwolves. He has been critical to the Trail Blazers success and is having a breakout season, but he has been dealing with some back issues over the last few weeks. If the team opts to give him Thursday off, Vit Krejci and Sidy Cissoko would pick up more work, especially with Shaedon Sharpe (calf) missing a fourth straight contest.

6 hours ago

Lauri Markkanen • PF • Jazz

Lauri Markkanen Will Rest on Thursday Against Portland

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (rest) will not play in his team's final game before the All-Star break. He played on a minutes limit on Wednesday, producing 19 points in 21 minutes in his team's win over the Kings, but he'll rest on Thursday on the second night of the team's back-to-back. Keyonte George (ankle) and Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) are also out for Thursday, which will leave plenty of playing time and usage for Kyle Filipowski, John Konchar, and Brice Sensabaugh. It will be a makeshift rotation, to be sure, but there should be value from the Jazz players available since the Trail Blazers are also playing for the second day in a row.

6 hours ago

Keyonte George • SG • Jazz

Keyonte George Will Not Play Thursday

Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (ankle) will miss a third straight game as his team finishes their back-to-back with a home game against the Trail Blazers on Thursday. George has played just once in Utah's last six contests, spraining his right ankle in his first game back after missing three games with a left ankle sprain. In his continued absence on Thursday, Isaiah Collier will continue to get an expanded workload and be a great play in all fantasy formats. The Jazz will likely continue to manipulate their rotation in unusual ways to improve their draft stock, but their young players, like Collier, and some of their recent acquisitions from Memphis, like John Konchar and Vince Williams Jr., should get plenty of playing time with George and Lauri Markkanen (Rest) out on Thursday.

6 hours ago

Jaren Jackson Jr. • PF • Jazz

Jaren Jackson Jr. Will Likely Miss the Rest of the Season

Utah Jazz forward/center Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) is likely to miss the remainder of the season and will undergo surgery on his left knee to deal with a localized PVNS growth. The issue was discovered after the Jazz acquired Jackson in a trade from the Grizzlies, and the procedure will hopefully ensure his long-term health. Jackson has been excellent in limited minutes for the Jazz, and he'll be a big part of their future plans if he's able to start next season healthy. The star big man can be dropped in re-draft formats for this season, while Kyle Filipowski, Jusuf Nurkic, Brice Sensabaugh, and John Konchar will help pick up more minutes the rest of this season.

11 hours ago

Joel Embiid • C • 76ers

Joel Embiid to Be Re-Evaluated After All-Star Break

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) will be re-evaluated after the All-Star break, ESPN's Tim Bontemps reports. The big man felt soreness in his right knee last weekend against Phoenix and missed a second consecutive game on Wednesday night versus the Knicks. Philadelphia won't return to action until Feb. 19, giving Embiid a full week to shake off the soreness. The 2023 MVP has been back to his best lately, averaging 33.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists across his last 10 appearances. Andre Drummond and Adem Bona have filled in as starters with Embiid out of the lineup, and both will maintain their elevated roles if he isn't able to return next week.

13 hours ago

Caleb Martin • PF • Mavericks

Caleb Martin Iffy for Thursday's Game

Dallas Mavericks forward Caleb Martin (ankle) is listed as questionable for Thursday's contest against the Los Angeles Lakers. The 30-year-old injured his left ankle on Tuesday night against Phoenix and could be sidelined for the first time since Dec. 20. Martin has averaged 7.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 steals in 24.1 minutes per game since Jan. 15, mostly appearing as a starter. Cooper Flagg (foot) has been ruled out, and Naji Marshall (foot) is also questionable for Thursday, meaning players like Klay Thompson, Khris Middleton, and Brandon Williams could have larger roles.

13 hours ago

Naji Marshall • SF • Mavericks

Naji Marshall Uncertain to Face Lakers

Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (foot) is questionable for Thursday's clash against the Los Angeles Lakers. Marshall has tallied 30-plus points twice in his last three outings, but he may have to miss Thursday's action due to a left foot sprain. With Cooper Flagg (foot) already ruled out, Dallas could be without two of its top three scorers. P.J. Washington, Max Christie, Khris Middleton, and Brandon Williams might all enjoy additional offensive usage on Thursday night. It's a good matchup for the Mavericks offensively, as the Lakers sit 23rd in defensive efficiency.

13 hours ago

Klay Thompson • SG • Mavericks

Klay Thompson Available Thursday

Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Klay Thompson (rest) is not on the injury report for Thursday's matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers. The veteran was rested by Dallas on Tuesday night versus Phoenix. Thompson's exit from the lineup coincided with Khris Middleton's team debut. On Thursday, Thompson will replace Cooper Flagg (foot) in the rotation. Dallas may also have a couple of additional absences, putting Thompson in a position to play a larger role. The five-time All-Star has shown improved form in recent weeks, averaging 13.4 points over his last 14 appearances.

14 hours ago

Trey Murphy III • SF • Pelicans

Trey Murphy III Makes Early Exit Wednesday

New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Trey Murphy III (shoulder) wasn't able to complete Wednesday's game against the Miami Heat. He left in the third quarter due to right shoulder soreness. Hopefully, this isn't anything serious, as Murphy III's 2024-25 campaign was cut short by a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Murphy III tallied 19 points, four rebounds, and six assists in 27 minutes on Wednesday. He has been a bright spot on a struggling team. Jeremiah Fears, who missed a triple-double by two assists against Miami, will likely rejoin the starting lineup if Murphy III isn't available after the All-Star break. There would also be additional minutes available for Bryce McGowens, who totaled 13 points, three assists, and one steal in Wednesday's loss.

14 hours ago

Jalen Williams • SF • Thunder

Jalen Williams Exits Early With Hamstring Issue

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (hamstring) missed the fourth quarter of Wednesday's 136-109 win over the Phoenix Suns. The 2025 All-Star appeared to reinjure his right hamstring, exiting the game with a few minutes left in the third quarter. Williams was on fire against Phoenix, scoring 28 points on 11-for-12 shooting in just 20 minutes of action. This was only his second outing since returning from a right hamstring strain that kept Williams sidelined for 10 games. Williams is unlikely to play on Thursday against Milwaukee and could miss further time, though he will have extra days to recover during the All-Star break. In the meantime, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe could see extended minutes for the Thunder.

14 hours ago

Cooper Flagg • PF • Mavericks

Cooper Flagg Out Through All-Star Break

Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Cooper Flagg (foot) won't be available for Thursday's contest against the Los Angeles Lakers and will miss the All-Star weekend. The 19-year-old rookie sensation suffered a left midfoot sprain in Tuesday's loss to the Phoenix Suns. A source told ESPN that Flagg is expected to be available immediately after the All-Star break. Dallas will resume the season on Feb. 20 with a matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. With Flagg out, the Mavericks have to fill a gap in the starting lineup on Thursday. Naji Marshall (foot) is the prime candidate to step into the role, though he must first shake off a questionable tag.

14 hours ago

Deandre Ayton • C • Lakers

Deandre Ayton Listed as Questionable for Thursday

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (knee) is questionable for Thursday's contest against the Dallas Mavericks. He could be out for the third time in four games due to a sore right knee. Ayton's absence would allow Jaxson Hayes to make another start, with Maxi Kleber and Drew Timme seeing additional minutes off the bench. As a starter, Hayes has managed 11.0 points and 4.2 rebounds per game this season. Dallas allows the fifth-most fantasy points in the league to centers, making this an attractive matchup for L.A.'s big men.

Yesterday

Cooper Flagg • PF • Mavericks

Cooper Flagg Likely to Skip Meeting With Lakers

Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Cooper Flagg (foot) is listed as doubtful for Thursday's clash against the Los Angeles Lakers. The star rookie is on the injury report due to a left midfoot sprain and appears set to exit the lineup after appearing in six consecutive games. Assuming Flagg won't play, the Mavericks will need more playmaking from Tyus Jones and Brandon Williams, while Naji Marshall might be his replacement in the starting unit. At the same time, Klay Thompson, who missed Tuesday's loss to Phoenix, could absorb most of the available minutes in the rotation.

Yesterday

Stephon Castle • SG • Spurs

Stephon Castle Cleared to Play Wednesday

San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (pelvis) will be in action on Wednesday against the Golden State Warriors. San Antonio's rising star suffered a pelvic contusion in Tuesday's win over the Lakers and was listed as questionable on the initial injury report. Castle entered Tuesday's game coming off a huge 40-point triple-double. He's been shooting nearly 64 percent from the field this month and could be tough to handle for the Warriors.

Yesterday

Austin Reaves • SG • Lakers

Austin Reaves Set to Return Thursday

Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Austin Reaves (calf) will return from a one-game absence on Thursday against the Dallas Mavericks. The team has not included Reaves on the injury report. Reaves is managing a calf injury and didn't play on Tuesday night against San Antonio when the Lakers completed a back-to-back. After returning from a calf strain, Reaves has been limited to 24.8 minutes per game across four outings. He has averaged 20.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.3 steals. During Monday's matchup versus Oklahoma City, Reaves logged close to 30 minutes, which could be a sign he may soon be ready to handle his usual workload.

Yesterday

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Available Thursday Night

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (foot) is not on the injury report for Thursday's game against the Dallas Mavericks, indicating he will return to the lineup. The veteran superstar sat out the second leg of a back-to-back against San Antonio on Tuesday. With Luka Doncic (hamstring) out, James has taken on more playmaking duties, finishing each of his last three appearances with a double-double. He is averaging 21.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 8.6 assists, and 1.2 steals for the month.

Yesterday

Luka Dončić • PG • Lakers

Luka Doncic Won't Face Mavericks Thursday

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) has been ruled out for Thursday's matchup with the Dallas Mavericks. He will skip the meeting with his former team due to a left hamstring strain. This will be Doncic's fourth consecutive absence. Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, and Kobe Bufkin have a chance to see more action with Doncic out of commission. Meanwhile, LeBron James and Austin Reaves are responsible for keeping the Lakers' offense ticking.

Yesterday

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