NBA Player News

Powell (hip) won't play Monday against the Hornets.

Powell suffered a right hip strain during Friday's game against the Thunder and was unable to return. Fortunately for Dallas, Dereck Lively (ankle) has been upgraded to questionable and could return from a two-game absence.

Lively (ankle) is questionable for Monday's game against the Hornets.

The questionable tag is an upgrade for Lively after the center missed the past two games for Dallas. If Lively is able to return to action, it's likely that Daniel Gafford will make way back to the bench.

Nurkic (illness) will not play Monday against the Cavaliers.

Nurkic will be sidelined for a seventh straight game Monday. He lost his rotation spot prior to the illness, and the Suns are likely to roll with Nick Richards as their first-choice center going forward.

Missi (illness) is questionable for Monday's game against Utah.

Missi missed his second game of the campaign Friday against the Jazz, and he was unable to practice Sunday. He remains day-to-day, however, and the Pelicans will likely see how he feels in the morning before a decision is made. If Missi is unable to play, Daniel Theis and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl will likely see increased run.

Jokic (elbow) is available for Sunday's game against the Magic.

No surprise here, as Jokic was previously listed as probable. Denver's franchise player is averaging 28.3 points, 14.3 rebounds, 11.1 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.4 three-pointers in seven January appearances.

Bagley (knee) is out for Sunday's game against the Kings.

Bagley has missed 14 games in a row with a knee sprain and doesn't have a clear timetable to return to the hardwood. The big man's next chance to play will come against the Lakers on Tuesday.

Ayton (back) is probable for Sunday's game against the Bulls, Danny Marang of 1080 The Fan Portland reports.

The Blazers will have to tweak their lineup Sunday since Ayton has a shot at suiting up while Robert Williams (rest) won't feature. Ayton is averaging 9.6 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game across seven contests since the beginning of January.

Williams has been ruled out in advance of Sunday's game against the Bulls due to left ankle soreness, Danny Marang of 1080 The Fan Portland reports.

Though Williams is being listed with an injury, he may just be getting some maintenance for the second half of a back-to-back set. While Deandre Ayton (back) was sidelined in Saturday's 125-103 loss to the Rockets, Williams started at center and posted four points (2-3 FG, four rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal in 20 minutes. Ayton will be back in action Sunday and should start, while the absences of Williams and Donovan Clingan (ankle) will likely clear the way for either Jabari Walker or Duop Reath to serve as Ayton's backup.

Drummond (toe) won't play Sunday against the Bucks.

Drummond returned from a six-game absence due to a sprained left toe in Saturday's 115-102 loss to the Pacers, starting at center while finishing with eight points (4-8 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 0-1 FT), three rebounds and one steal across 26 minutes. Though he seemingly avoided any setbacks coming out of the contest, the 76ers will hold Drummond out for maintenance purposes in the second leg of this back-to-back. Guerschon Yabusele (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday, but he would likely start at center in place of Drummond if cleared to play. If Yabusele is out, however, rookie Adem Bona would likely be the next man up to start.

Hayes (shoulder) has been upgraded to probable for Sunday's game against the Clippers, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.

Hayes was previously considered questionable. The center will be on the streaming radar Sunday if Anthony Davis (foot) isn't able to shake off his questionable tag. In a fill-in start Friday versus the Nets, Hayes produced six points, nine rebounds and one assist in 33 minutes.