NBA Player News

Powell will come off the bench for Wednesday's game against Denver.

Powell made a spot start in place of Daniel Gafford, and he'll return to the bench Wednesday now that Gafford is healthy. Powell and Moussa Cisse should handle backup center duties against the Nuggets.

Lopez is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's matchup with the Wizards, Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Ivica Zubac is sitting out Wednesday's game with an ankle injury, which will result in Lopez drawing the spot-start. Lopez has been inconsistent as a starter this season with averages of 10.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.7 triples and 1.2 blocks per contest, but with a favorable matchup against the Wizards, he's someone to consider as a streamer.

Porzingis (Achilles) will remain on the inactive list for Thursday's game in Portland.

Thursday will mark Porzingis' fourth consecutive game on the sidelines due to tendinitis in his left Achilles, and the lack of updates from the Hawks on Porzingis is concerning. For now, he should be considered doubtful for Saturday's game against the Celtics. With Mouhamed Gueye (ankle) being listed as questionable for Thursday, Onyeka Okongwu could be forced into heavy minutes.

Hayes (hamstring) is questionable to play Thursday versus the Hornets, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.

Hayes missed Tuesday's game with some soreness in his hamstring, but it looks like there's a chance he could get back out there for Thursday's game. Check back for another update on Hayes closer to Thursday's tip.

Embiid (knee/adductor) is available for Wednesday's game against the Cavaliers, Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com reports.

Embiid has been tending to a knee and adductor issue, which resulted in a probable tag for Wednesday's game. However, he'll shed the designation and suit up against Cleveland. In his last seven games, Embiid is averaging 27.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.0 blocks across 34 minutes.

Head coach Billy Donovan said he doesn't think Collins (toe) will return before the All-Star break, which begins Feb. 13, K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reports.

Collins suffered a significant right big toe sprain in late December, and he's not expected to shed his walking boot until late January or early February, at the earliest, per Johnson. Collins' absence has meant more minutes for Julian Phillips and Patrick Williams.

Hartenstein (calf) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Rockets.

Hartenstein will remain sidelined Thursday due to a right soleus strain that has kept him out since Dec. 28. His continued absence has opened up additional center minutes for reserves such as Jaylin Williams, Kenrich Williams and Branden Carlson. Hartenstein's next opportunity to return will come Saturday against the Heat.

Turner (illness) isn't listed on Milwaukee's injury report for Thursday's game against the Spurs.

Turner missed the Bucks' previous game due to illness, but he appears to have put the issue behind him. The 29-year-old center will be in uniform for Thursday's game, which will push Bobby Portis back to the second unit.

Duren (ankle) is probable for Thursday's game against the Suns.

After four straight games on the shelf, Duren is trending towards a return for Detroit. He may face restrictions in his first game back, however. With this news, Paul Reed's window for streaming appeal in fantasy leagues takes a big hit.

Jokic (knee) was cleared to resume on-court workouts Wednesday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

Jokic hasn't played since Dec. 29 due to a left knee bone bruise and had been expected to be re-evaluated in four weeks before the Nuggets provided the next update on his status. According to Sharania, Jokic is "right on schedule, if not a little ahead of schedule" with his projected recovery timeline, potentially leaving the door open for him to return to action in late January or early February. Jokic will miss a ninth straight game Wednesday in Dallas, but if he's able to make his way back to the court in 2-to-3 weeks, he would keep himself eligible for NBA awards.