NBA Player News

Hayes contributed 19 points (9-11 FG, 1-2 FT), eight rebounds, one assist and one block over 32 minutes during Thursday's 119-117 loss to the Bulls.

Hayes has been a relatively hit-or-miss fantasy option since taking over in the middle following the trade of Anthony Davis, but Thursday did mark the third time in March in which Hayes scored 19 points in a game. He's averaged 11.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.9 blocks in 25.0 minutes across 11 games this month, and Hayes is shooting a robust 80.3 percent from the field during that period.

Thompson was ejected during the fourth quarter of Thursday's game against the Spurs after being assessed a Flagrant 2 foul, Ethan Sands of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. He failed to score (0-1 FG) and recorded four rebounds and one block in eight minutes before departing.

Thompson was tossed for what was deemed an excessive elbow to the head of Julian Champagnie. Jarrett Allen and Dean Wade will be asked to hold down the center position in Thompson's absence.

Head coach of the French National team, Frederic Fauthoux, said Thursday that Wembanyama underwent surgery on the deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder and is feeling fine, Jeff Garcia of KENS 5 San Antonio reports.

Wembanyama was ruled out for the remainder of the 2024-25 NBA season during the All-Star break due to the deep vein thrombosis. However, Fauthoux is optimistic that the superstar could return for the FIBA EuroBasket Qualifiers this summer. The Spurs expect to have Wembanyama back by the start of the 2025-26 season, and this update from Fauthoux suggests that he'll be ready for the Spurs' Opening Night, barring any setbacks. The second-year big man finished the 2024-25 campaign with averages of 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.8 blocks, 3.7 assists, 3.1 three-pointers and 1.1 steals in 33.2 minutes per contest over his 46 regular-season appearances.

Jones won't return to Thursday's matchup against the Magic due to a left hip contusion. He'll finish the game with four points (2-2 FG), five rebounds and one block across seven minutes.

The big man threw down an alley-oop dunk following a huge block, though he took a hard fall and walked back to the locker room before being ruled out shortly thereafter. Dwight Powell and Caleb Martin are candidates for an uptick in playing time due to Jones being sidelined.

Adams (wrist) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Jazz, Vanessa Richardson of Space City Home Network reports.

Adams is set for his fourth absence of March, this time due to a right wrist injury. Jock Landale could see more opportunities at center in Adams' place.

Jones exited to the locker room after sustaining an apparent back injury during the first quarter of Thursday's game against the Magic, Christian Clark of The Athletic reports.

Jones threw down an alley-oop dunk following a huge block, though he landed on his back and walked to the locker room under his own power. If the big man is unable to return, Dwight Powell and Caleb Martin are candidates for an uptick in playing time the rest of the way.

Poeltl (rest) is off the injury report for Friday's game against the Hornets.

Poeltl is slated to return to game action after missing Wednesday's win over Brooklyn due to rest purposes. Over his last five outings, the big man has averaged 17.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.4 blocks across 24.0 minutes per contest.

Vucevic (back) is available for Thursday's game against the Lakers, Will Gottlieb of AllCHGO.com reports.

Vucevic will shake off a questionable tag due to a right midback strain Thursday. The veteran big man has made eight consecutive appearances (seven starts) following a seven-game absence due to a calf injury, averaging 14.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.1 three-pointers across 28.0 minutes per contest.

Jokic (ankle) has been listed as probable for Friday's game against the Jazz.

Jokic has been managing an ankle injury but is trending toward playing against the Jazz on Friday. The superstar big man is coming off an impressive 39-point triple-double in Wednesday's win against the Bucks, as he continues to make a case to win another NBA MVP award.

Davis (adductor) is available for Thursday's game against the Magic.

Davis was widely expected to play Thursday, so the upgrade in his status isn't much of a surprise for fantasy managers counting on him ahead of Thursday's matchup. However, it's worth noting that he'll play under a minutes restriction in this game, as head coach Jason Kidd said the big man will be limited to somewhere around 24 to 28 minutes, according to Mason Williams of SI.com. Davis didn't play against the Knicks on Tuesday and has been limited to just two games with Dallas since being traded in the deal that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers before February's trade deadline. He's averaging 19.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 2.0 blocks per game in those two outings.