NBA Player News

Sims (back) is probable for Wednesday's game against the 76ers.

Sims and Karl-Anthony Towns (thumb) were both listed as questionable initially, but Towns has been downgraded to out, while Sims has been upgraded to probable. Sims drew a spot start in Towns' stead against the Magic on Jan. 6 and posted four points, 10 rebounds, two assists and a block in 29 minutes.

The Suns acquired Richards and a 2025 second-round draft pick from the Hornets on Wednesday in exchange for forward Josh Okogie, a 2026 second-round draft picks and two 2031 second-round draft picks, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

With Mark Williams healthy and playing well, Richards had been relegated to a backup role over the last month for Charlotte, but he'll now likely get an opportunity to start in Phoenix. Jusuf Nurkic (illness) has fallen out of favor, resulting in Mason Plumlee starting nine straight games. Richards had played at least 24 minutes 10 times this season, averaging 12.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.9 blocks in 28.1 minutes per game while shooting 62.9 percent from the field and 71.4 percent from the free-throw line during those contests. Richards' first chance to make his Suns debut will come in Washington on Thursday.

Bagley (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday's matchup with Phoenix.

Bagley will now miss 12 straight games due to his knee injury, and it is unknown when he would make his potential return this season. In the 19 games Bagley did play in, he averaged 4.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, 0.4 assists, 0.4 steals and 0.3 blocks over 8.9 minutes.

Claxton (hamstring) is questionable for Wednesday's game versus the Clippers, Sharif Phillips-Keaton of USA Today reports.

Claxton missed his first game since Nov. 27 on Tuesday versus Portland, but he's considered day-to-day. If Claxton is able to suit up Wednesday, Noah Clowney and Day'Ron Sharpe may not offers as much upside.

Lively (ankle) will not play Wednesday against the Pelicans.

This is an expected update from the Mavericks, but fantasy managers will have to wait for more clarity regarding the severity of his sprain -- it was previously reported that X-rays came back negative. With Lively out Wednesday, Daniel Gafford, Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell are candidates to see increased minutes.

Drummond (toe) will not play Wednesday against the Knicks.

Drummond will miss his sixth game in a row Wednesday, though he did begin on-court work this week. His next chance to play comes Saturday against the Pacers.

Embiid (foot) will not play Wednesday against the Knicks.

This will be Embiid's sixth game in a row on the shelf. This update comes from the official injury report, so there's no word on his progress. Previously, the 76ers have reported that the center remains day-to-day. Guerschon Yabusele is likely to continue seeing big workloads in the meantime.

Ayton had two points (1-4 FG) and eight rebounds in 24 minutes during Tuesday's 132-114 loss to the Nets.

After returning from a one-game absence due to left calf soreness, Ayton had a nightmare showing as he was held to a season-low two points. January has been a tough month for the center, as he's posting averages of 8.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.8 blocks in 27.0 minutes per contest.

X-rays on Lively's right ankle returned negative after the center was removed in the first quarter of Tuesday's 118-99 loss to the Nuggets, NBA reporter Chris Haynes reports.

Lively was diagnosed with a sprained right ankle upon exiting the contest, and the X-rays confirmed that the second-year center avoided any structural damage. Even so, the severity of Lively's sprain isn't yet known, so the Mavericks haven't offered up a clear timeline for his return to action. Even if Lively's sprain is of the Grade 1 variety, he'll most likely miss Wednesday's game against the Pelicans. Daniel Gafford would presumably start Wednesday in Lively's place, while Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell could also fill out minutes at center.

Vucevic provided 22 points (10-16 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 15 rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal across 35 minutes during Tuesday's 119-113 loss to the Pelicans.

It was the 25th double-double of the season for the veteran center, tying him for sixth in the NBA. Vucevic's shooting has been a little erratic of late, but over his last 14 games, he's still averaging 18.9 points, 11.0 boards, 3.4 assists and 1.7 threes. If the Bulls totally clean house ahead of the February trade deadline, Vucevic figures to be one of the prime trade assets they have.