NBA Player News

Queen won't start against the Warriors on Tuesday.

With Dejounte Murray starting in his return from a torn Achilles, the Pelicans will keep DeAndre Jordan in the starting five and deploy Queen off the bench for the first time since Nov. 14. The rookie first-rounder has averaged 12.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.2 combined steals-plus-blocks while shooting 56.4 percent from the field in 27.1 minutes per game across seven February appearances.

Kalkbrenner will move to the bench Tuesday against the Bulls.

This is an expected move with Moussa Diabate and Miles Bridges back from their suspensions. Kalkbrenner is likely to maintain a sizable role with the second unit, to be clear.

Drummond is not part of the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against Indiana.

The 76ers are getting Joel Embiid (knee/shin) back into the first unit Tuesday. Drummond is available off the bench, but it's possible Adem Bona ends up being the only traditional center to see meaningful playing time behind Embiid.

Embiid (knee/shin) is available for Tuesday's game against the Pacers.

After five straight games on the shelf, Embiid will shed his questionable tag for this contest. However, it's possible he has some restrictions in his first game back. With the star big man back in the mix, Andre Drummond is expected to shift to the second unit.

Gafford (ankle) is available for Tuesday's game against the Nets.

Gafford has been a mainstay on the injury report of late due to a right ankle injury but will shed his questionable tag and suit up Tuesday. The big man has started 10 consecutive games for Dallas, averaging 9.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.2 combined steals-plus-blocks and 1.3 assists in 24.1 minutes per tilt over that stretch.

Aldama (knee) is listed out for Wednesday's game against the Warriors.

Aldama hasn't played since Feb. 4 and will now miss his eighth straight game due to right knee injury management. Back on Feb. 18, Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo told Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal that Aldama wasn't able to return to practice following the All-Star break, but the veteran big man was seen getting some shots up off to the side. Given the lack of updates on his status in addition to the 21-35 Grizzlies' place in the standings, Aldama seems likely to miss additional time beyond Wednesday.

Plumlee (reconditioning) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Raptors, Paul Garcia of ProjectSpurs.com reports.

Plumlee is still ramping up toward a return to game action after undergoing right groin surgery in late December. The veteran big man signed a 10-day pact with San Antonio on Feb. 17, and his next opportunity to play will come Thursday against the Nets.

Hayes won't play in Tuesday's game against the Magic due to a sprained right ankle, per Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com.

The Lakers deem Hayes day-to-day ahead of his next chance to play Thursday, when Los Angeles takes on the Suns. Maxi Kleber should handle the No. 2 center spot behind Deandre Ayton, but that role doesn't seem to offer him much fantasy upside.

Williams is questionable for Tuesday's game against Minnesota with right foot soreness.

Williams was a late addition to the injury report, which is generally a bad sign. Unless Yang Hansen is summoned from the G League, the extra center minutes behind Donovan Clingan would need to be soaked up by Jerami Grant and Sidy Cissoko if Williams is unable to go.

Capela contributed two points (1-3 FG), three rebounds and one assist over 10 minutes during Monday's 125-105 victory over the Jazz.

With Steven Adams (ankle) done for the year, Capela should continue to share the backup center spot with Dorian Finney-Smith based on matchup. Capela has been held scoreless in three of his last six games, offering him little fantasy relevance in this role.