NBA Player News

Bradley will not return to Thursday's game against the Knicks due to a sore right thumb.

Bradley will end his evening with two points (0-2 FG, 2-2 FT) and three rebounds over four minutes. For now, Bradley should be considered questionable for Saturday's game in New Orleans.

Gafford is not in the Mavericks' starting lineup against the Pistons on Thursday.

Gafford will come off the bench for Thursday's tilt due to the return of Anthony Davis (calf) from a one-game absence. Gafford started in Monday's loss to the Jazz, though he played just 13 minutes and finished with two points (1-1 FG), two rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.

Wembanyama will come off the bench Thursday night against Washington.

This marks the third straight game in which Wembanyama has been deployed off the bench. The Spurs are continuing to monitor his minutes closely, especially in the first half of a back-to-back. Luke Kornet will continue to run with the starters while Wembanyama comes off the bench.

Sims is starting Thursday's game against the Raptors.

Sims will draw his third start in five games after Kyle Kuzma (illness) was ruled out Thursday. Sims hasn't been able to capitalize on his previous two opportunities with the first unit, as he's been held to two points in each start despite logging 30 or more minutes.

Bagley will come off the bench for Thursday's game in San Antonio.

Alex Sarr is back and starting, so Bagley will return to a reserve role, where his value will take a hit. As a member of the second unit this season, Bagley has recorded averages of 7.2 points and 4.2 rebounds in 14.6 minutes per game.

Ware is in the Heat's starting lineup against the Nets on Thursday, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports.

The Heat will go with two bigs in the starting five Thursday in Ware and Bam Adebayo while Simone Fontecchio comes off the bench. Ware has started in 16 of 26 regular-season games, and as a starter he has averaged 11.9 points, 10.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocks over 26.4 minutes per game.

Davis (calf) will play Thursday night against Detroit, Noah Weber of TheSmokingCuban.com reports.

Davis will make his return to the hardwood after a one-game absence due to a calf issue. He was off to a strong start to December before being sidelined, averaging 20.8 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists , 1.4 steals and 1.8 blocks in five appearances.

Wembanyama will be on a minutes limit Thursday against the Wizards, Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com reports.

Wembanyama was also on a restriction Tuesday in the NBA Cup title game, logging 25 minutes off the bench. "We've got to get through tonight first and that will have all of our attention, but in terms of his minutes, we'll be mindful of that," said head coach Mitch Johnson, per Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News. It remains to be seen whether Wembanyama will enter the starting lineup Thursday, or if San Antonio will continue to deploy him as a reserve as he works back from left calf strain.

Poeltl (injury management) won't suit up for Thursday's game in Milwaukee, Ian Finlayson of Sportsnet reports.

The Raptors haven't played since Monday, and Thursday's game does not come as a back-to-back set, so it's somewhat concerning that Poeltl is taking the night off. Toronto's next two games come as a Saturday-Sunday back-to-back, so there's a chance Poeltl will need to miss at least one more match. With the big man unavailable Thursday night, expect more minutes for Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Murray-Boyles.

Hukporti is starting Thursday's game against the Pacers, Stefan Bondy of The New York Post reports.

Hukporti is in line for his third start of the season but his first since Oct. 26. He'll get a look as a starter with both Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) and Mitchell Robinson (ankle) sidelined Thursday.