NBA Player News

Drummond will come off the bench in Thursday's game versus the Rockets.

Joel Embiid (ankle) is back from a maintenance day, so Drummond will head back to the second unit. As a reserve this season, Drummond owns averages of 5.5 points and 7.1 rebounds per game.

Embiid (ankle) has been cleared to play Thursday against the Rockets.

Embiid will be back in action after sitting out the second half of a back-to-back Tuesday. He's reached the 30-point mark in back-to-back appearances for the Sixers.

Hartenstein (calf) won't play in Friday's game against Indiana, per Clemente Almanza of USA Today.

Hartenstein hasn't suited up since Dec. 28 due to a right soleus strain and remains out indefinitely. With a lack of clarity on his recovery, the 27-year-old big man should be tentatively deemed doubtful to play in Sunday's tilt against Toronto.

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

Valanciunas is available to play for the first time since Dec. 31 due to a calf strain. The veteran center could have a minutes restriction, but his return should have a negative impact on the minutes of Zeke Nnaji and DaRon Holmes.

Aldama (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game versus the Pelicans.

This will be the second straight game on the sidelines for Aldama, which could result in another start for John Konchar and extended minutes for Vince Williams and GG Jackson. Aldama's next chance to play will come Sunday versus the Nuggets, but with that game being the first of a back-to-back set, Aldama is likely doubtful for that one.

Gafford (ankle) won't play Thursday versus the Warriors.

Gafford will miss his fourth straight game due to a right ankle sprain, with his absence clearing the way for Dwight Powell and Moussa Cisse to absorb all of the minutes at center. Dallas had initially listed Gafford as questionable for Thursday's game before downgrading him to doubtful and then out, so he presumably has a chance at returning to action Saturday versus the Lakers.

Cisse (illness) has been cleared to play Friday night against the Warriors.

Cisse carried a probable tag leading up to Thursday's matchup due to an illness, and he's officially been given the green light to take the court. He's averaging 8.2 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in his last five games, all off the bench.

Valanciunas (calf) is expected to play Thursday versus the Wizards, Bennett Durando of The Denver Post reports.

This will be Valanciunas' first game since Dec. 31, so he'll likely have some minutes restrictions, but his return will likely result in less playing time for DaRon Holmes and Zeke Nnaji. While Valanciunas may be brought along slowly, he'll have a ton of opportunity while Nikola Jokic (knee) is out, so make sure he's not floating around on your waiver wire.

Sabonis (knee, rest) will be available for Friday's game against the Cavaliers.

Sabonis was rested Wednesday against the Raptors due to left knee injury maintenance -- he had just recently returned from a 27-game absence. Sabonis' minutes have been very limited since his return, and he may face restrictions once again Friday as the Kings continue to err on the side of caution.

Ware (hamstring) will not play Thursday against Portland.

Ware was previously listed as questionable, so fantasy managers can assume that he's day-to-day. With Ware out for a second straight contest, the Heat will likely deploy some smaller lineups with Nikola Jovic possibly seeing a bump in minutes.