NBA Player News

Lopez (back) has been cleared to play in Wednesday's game against the Hornets.

Lopez missed Monday's loss to the Thunder with a back issue but will return to the floor Wednesday for the Bucks to take on the Hornets in Charlotte. The veteran big man is averaging 12.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 2.0 blocks per game for Milwaukee, shooting 47.5 percent from the floor and 36.5 percent from deep.

The Wizards traded Valanciunas on Wednesday to the Kings in exchange for Sidy Cissoko and two second-round picks, NBA reporter Marc Stein reports.

Valanciunas has seemingly been on the trading block since he became eligible to be moved this season after signing with the Wizards in free agency this past summer. The veteran big man has been in countless trade rumors but was finally dealt to the Kings, who have been very active on the trade market, recently acquiring Zach LaVine in a deal involving De'Aaron Fox being shipped to the Spurs. The veteran big man will get Sacramento some depth in the frontcourt, making up an intimidating frontline with Domantas Sabonis.

Powell (hip) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Celtics.

Powell will miss his 10th straight game for the Mavericks as he deals with a right hip strain. The veteran big man is having a tough year in Dallas, averaging a career-low 1.5 points and 1.8 rebounds in 7.6 minutes per game. The 33-year-old's next opportunity to return to the floor will be Saturday against the Rockets.

Gafford (shoulder) will be available to play Thursday against Boston.

Gafford exited Tuesday's 118-116 loss to the 76ers with a stinger in his left shoulder, but he brushed off any concerns about it at Wednesday's practice. He's also not showing up at all on the injury report which is a good sign for his fantasy managers. Anthony Davis (abdomen) is questionable for Thursday, so there could be another game until we see how the frontcourt rotation shapes up.

Davis (abdomen) is officially questionable for Thursday's game against Boston.

Davis has another on-court workout scheduled for Wednesday after getting through a session Tuesday. He's been sidelined since Jan. 28, and he's been non-committal regarding his chances of playing against Boston. If he doesn't take the floor Thursday, his debut could come Saturday against Houston.

Drummond (toe) is doubtful for Wednesday's game against Miami.

Drummond appears likely to miss his eighth consecutive game Wednesday. He did return to practice Monday, but the 76ers appear to be taking a cautious approach with the big man. With Joel Embiid (knee) sidelined Wednesday, Guerschon Yabusele could see a heavy workload and Adem Bona could pick up some minutes at center.

Lopez (back) has been downgraded to questionable for Wednesday's game against Charlotte.

Lopez was previously carrying a probable tag for Wednesday after missing Monday's game against the Thunder, so this is a bad sign for his fantasy managers. If Lopez is unable to go, Bobby Portis is expected to return from a personal absence and could see extended minutes at center.

Sharpe is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Wizards due to left hamstring tightness.

Wednesday's game is the second leg of a back-to-back set, so the Nets could exercise caution here. Trendon Watford (rest) has already been ruled out, so the Nets may need Jalen Wilson to soak up some minutes if Sharpe can't go.

Gafford (shoulder) was a full participant at Wednesday's practice, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

Gafford exited Tuesday's 118-116 loss to the 76ers with a left shoulder injury, which the center described as a "stinger" after Wednesday's practice. The Mavericks will release their next injury report later Wednesday, but Gafford seems optimistic about playing Thursday against the Celtics.

Boucher (illness) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Grizzlies, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Boucher was unable to play in Tuesday's game against the Knicks and remains day-to-day. If he does get the green light, Boucher and Kelly Olynyk could have some streaming appeal with Jakob Poeltl (hip) already ruled out.