NBA Player News

Ware (hamstring) is questionable for Thursday's game in Portland, Tim Reynolds of Associated Press reports.

Ware missed Tuesday's win over Sacramento with a sore hamstring, but there's a chance he'll be able to get back out there for Thursday's game in Portland. If he does return, Nikola Jovic's minutes would likely dip. Check back closer to Thursday's tip for official word on Ware's status.

Embiid is listed as probable for Thursday's game against Houston due to right ankle injury management, Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com reports.

Embiid sat out the second end of a back-to-back set Tuesday, but it looks like he'll be back in action for Thursday's contest. The big man is coming off back-to-back 30-point performances, and he's averaging 24.2 points per game this season.

Bagley is questionable for Thursday's game against Denver due to an illness.

Bagley's status could be determined by a game-time decision following Thursday's pregame warmups. With Tristan Vukcevic out with a hamstring strain, the Wizards could be forced to deploy Will Riley and Justin Champagnie at the center spot more often in small-ball groups behind Alex Sarr.

Poeltl (back) is out for Wednesday's game against the Kings.

Poeltl still has no timetable for a return due to a lower-back strain. Sandro Mamukelashvili should continue to play a significant role at center Wednesday, especially with rookie first-rounder Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) joining Poeltl on the sidelines.

Sabonis won't play Wednesday against the Raptors due to left knee injury maintenance.

Following a recent 27-game absence due to a partial meniscus tear in his left knee, Sabonis had suited up for each of the Kings' last three tilts. According to Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee, head coach Doug Christie said prior to Tuesday's 130-117 loss to the Heat that Sabonis hasn't been operating with a minutes restriction since returning, but the big man has nonetheless been used off the bench in each of those three appearances and has played no more than 21 minutes on any occasion. The Kings will now hold Sabonis out for the second leg of a back-to-back set, which seemingly refutes the notion that he's free of restrictions coming back from the injury. With Sabonis sidelined Wednesday, Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell should cover all the available minutes at center, and starting power forward Precious Achiuwa (ankle) may see his playing time trend back up if he's able to shed his questionable tag.

Wagner (rest) will be available for Thursday's game against Charlotte.

Wagner was held out of Sunday's game against the Grizzlies for injury management related to his previous knee injury. He's no longer appearing on the injury report, however, and he could see a handful of rotation minutes against Charlotte.

Valanciunas (calf) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Wizards.

The Nuggets announced Jan. 1 that Valanciunas would be sidelined for at least four weeks due to a right calf strain, but it sounds like he could return a week earlier than expected. With Nikola Jokic (knee) still sidelined, Valanciunas would have a lot of appeal as a streaming option if he can get the green light to play.

Horford (rest) will be available for Thursday's game against Dallas.

Horford is no longer appearing on the injury report after missing Tuesday's game against the Raptors for maintenance. With Jimmy Butler (knee) out for the season, it's possible Horford can see a slight uptick in minutes going forward.

Turner (ankle) will not play Wednesday against the Thunder.

Turner was unable to shake his questionable tag for this contest and will miss his second game of the campaign. With Turner sidelined, Bobby Portis will be a candidate to start, and Jericho Sims could potentially be more involved for the Bucks.

Vucevic finished Tuesday's 138-110 victory over the Clippers with 19 points (8-12 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), eight rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal across 32 minutes.

Vucevic has been on a heater for the Bulls, and it's fair to wonder if his market grows as a result ahead of the trade deadline. Over his last seven outings, Vucevic has averaged 19.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.1 three-pointers in 31.7 minutes per contest.