NBA Player News

Gafford exited to the locker room after sustaining an apparent neck injury during the second quarter of Thursday's game against the Thunder, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

Gafford stayed down on the court for an extended period, calling for the training staff after a scary fall. With the Mavericks thin at center, Maxi Kleber and Olivier-Maxence Prosper will likely see a bump in minutes the rest of the way if Gafford is unable to return.

Wembanyama posted 30 points (13-21 FG, 4-11 3Pt), 11 rebounds, six assists, five blocks and one steal over 32 minutes during Thursday's 140-110 win over the Pacers.

Wembanyama shined Thursday in front of his hometown crowd in France, leading all players in the contest in scoring, rebounds and blocks while handing out the second-highest assist total among Bucks players in a double-double performance. Wembanyama posted his 12th outing of the season with five or more blocks while recording at least 30 points and 10 boards in five contests.

Zubac (eye) is off the injury report for Thursday's game against the Wizards.

Zubac is slated to return from a two-game absence due to a left eye corneal abrasion. The big man has averaged 14.6 points, 12.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.8 blocks in 29.2 minutes per game over his last five outings, and his availability should send Mo Bamba back to the bench.

Bagley (knee) is listed out for Thursday's game against the Clippers.

Bagley hasn't played since Dec. 23 against the Thunder due to what looked to be a significant right knee sprain. The Wizards haven't offered many details on where Bagley stands in his recovery from the injury, with head coach Brian Keefe having merely said that the big man isn't out for the season. Bagley appears likely to miss more games beyond Thursday.

Missi (illness) is probable for Friday's matchup against Memphis, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.

Missi has missed two consecutive contests due to the non-COVID illness, though he'll likely return to game action Friday. The rookie big man has been a mainstay in the Pelicans' starting five, and over his last 10 outings, he has averaged 8.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.9 blocks and 1.8 assists while shooting 60.8 percent from the field in 28.4 minutes per game.

Williams is in the starting lineup for Thursday's game versus the Magic, Casey Holdahl of the Trail Blazers' official site reports.

Williams will replace Deandre Ayton (knee) in the starting five Thursday. Williams is averaging 5.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 3.0 blocks and 1.0 steals in 16.0 minutes across his previous two starting appearances this season.

Ayton (knee) won't play in Thursday's game versus the Magic, Casey Holdahl of the Trail Blazers' official site reports.

Ayton has been downgraded from questionable to out Tuesday due to left knee soreness. Robert Williams will draw the start at center in his absence. Ayton's next chance to suit up is Friday's matchup with Charlotte.

The Mavericks announced Wednesday that Lively will be re-evaluated in four weeks after being diagnosed with a right ankle stress fracture.

Though Lively is due to be examined by doctors again in approximately one month, fantasy managers shouldn't expect the second-year center to be ready to play right away, even if his re-evaluation yields good news. Shams Charania of ESPN reported earlier Wednesday that Lively's injury is expected to keep him sidelined for around 2-to-3 months in total, making him a drop candidate in most redraft leagues with limited injured reserve spots. Daniel Gafford has started each of the last four games in Lively's stead and has played 30-plus minutes on three occasions while averaging 20.0 points, 11.3 rebounds, 3.3 blocks, 2.3 assists and 0.8 steals.

Bitadze (concussion) won't play in Thursday's game versus the Trail Blazers.

Bitadze will miss his fifth straight contest Thursday after being downgraded from doubtful to out due to still being in the NBA's concussion protocol. While Bitadze has advanced to the non-contact stage of the protocol, his next chance to suit up is Saturday's matchup with Detroit.

Looney (illness) isn't on the injury report for Thursday's game versus the Bulls.

Looney exited Wednesday's contest early due to an illness but is good to go Thursday. With Trayce Jackson-Davis (ankle) questionable, Looney could be in store for increased playing time against Chicago.