NBA Player News

Powell (hip) has been listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Hornets, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

After a 16-game absence due to a right hip strain, Powell returned to the floor for Dallas on the road in Tuesday's loss to the Lakers, finishing with two points, five rebounds and one block in 16 minutes. The veteran big man is being brought slowly into the fold for the Mavericks even though the team needs big bodies, which means he could get held out Thursday against Charlotte.

Porzingis (illness) is available for Wednesday's game against the Pistons, Justin Turpin of WEEI.com reports.

After being a late scratch in Tuesday's game against the Raptors, Porzingis will overcome an illness Wednesday. Over his last nine games, the star big man has averaged 20.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.2 blocks and 1.2 steals in 31.7 minutes. With Jaylen Brown (thigh) out, Porzingis should see a boost in usage against Detroit.

Poeltl (hip) will play with a minutes restriction in Wednesday's game against the Pacers, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports.

It's unclear how much his playing time will be limited Wednesday, but the Raptors and fantasy managers will be glad to get Poeltl back from an eight-game absence due to a hip injury. Over his last 10 appearances, the star big man has averaged 11.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.5 blocks and 0.9 steals in 26.6 minutes. Poeltl's return could push Jonathan Mogbo back to the bench.

Ware (ankle) is available in Wednesday's game against Atlanta.

Despite dealing with left ankle discomfort, Ware will give it a go Wednesday and play through the issue. There's no indication the rookie big man will face any restrictions against the Hawks. Over his last 15 games, Ware has averaged 10.8 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.1 blocks and 0.7 steals in 29.6 minutes.

Powell (hip) finished with two points (1-2 FG), five rebounds and one block across 16 minutes Tuesday in the Mavericks' 107-99 loss to the Lakers.

Though Powell was on a reported restriction of 10-to-12 minutes as he returned from a 16-game absence due to a right hip strain, he exceeded that limit. The Mavericks handed the undersized Kessler Edwards another start at center, but Powell replaced him on the top unit for the second half, which could foreshadow a lineup change in the team's next game Thursday versus the Hornets. With all of Anthony Davis (adductor), Daniel Gafford (knee) and Dereck Lively (ankle) out with long-term injuries, Powell should have a good chance at maintaining a regular spot in head coach Jason Kidd's rotation. However, Powell won't necessarily be in store for a significant spike in playing time even if he replaces Edwards in the starting five. The 6-foot-10, 240-pound Powell brings good size at center and is a solid team defender, but he's historically been a poor fantasy producer, with career per-36-minute averages of 13.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.9 blocks.

Jackson-Davis (illness) is questionable for Thursday's game against Orlando.

Jackson-Davis has missed the past two games for Golden State, but his status won't have a big impact on fantasy hoops. He recently fell out of favor in the rotation.

Bassey (knee) will not play Wednesday against the Rockets.

Bassey will miss a second straight game and it's unclear if he'll be ready in time for March 1 against the Grizzlies. In the meantime, Bismack Biyombo and Sandro Mamukelashvili could continue to hold down the fort at center.

Kessler (illness) has been upgraded to available for Wednesday's game against the Kings.

Kessler, who was originally questionable, will be returning from a one-game absence. With John Collins (back) and Lauri Markkanen (back) both sidelined, Kessler could see a healthy workload.

Sarr (ankle) is listed as out for Wednesday's game against the Trail Blazers.

Sarr will miss his third straight contest due to a left ankle sprain, though he's likely still day-to-day since he was carrying a questionable tag heading into the day. Richaun Holmes is expected to draw another start at center, with Tristan Vukcevic backing him up.

Vucevic (calf) will not play Wednesday against the Clippers.

Vucevic had been listed as doubtful coming into the day, so his downgrade comes as little surprise. With Vucevic out for a second straight contest and with Jalen Smith still recovering from a concussion, Zach Collins should be in line for another turn as the Bulls' starting center.