NBA Player News

Coach Taylor Jenkins said Thursday that the Grizzlies weren't comfortable with where Edey (ankle) is in his recovery process, and he'll be monitored for a potential return to game action over the next couple of weeks, Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.

Edey is expected to miss more time due to a left ankle sprain, and he hasn't played since Nov. 17. The rookie big man was assigned to the club's G League affiliate -- the Mempis Hustle -- to get a practice in on Wednesday, though it seemingly did not go according to plan as he's now behind his original schedule for a return to game action. Jay Huff, Santi Aldama and Jake LaRavia should continue seeing an uptick in playing time with Edey sidelined.

Valanciunas will come off the bench in Thursday's matchup against Dallas.

The Wizards will take a look at Marvin Bagley starting alongside Alex Sarr in the frontcourt, pushing Valanciunas to the bench. The veteran big man started in the Wizards' last two outings, during which he averaged 14.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.5 blocks while shooting 61.1 percent from the field across 25.0 minutes per contest.

Bagley is starting Thursday's game against the Mavericks.

Bagley will make his first start of the season Thursday, as the Wizards will shake things up in the frontcourt once again by sending Jonas Valanciunas to the bench. Bagley is averaging just 5.4 minutes per game this season, but he should see a sizable uptick in playing time in this one.

Poeltl (illness) is out for Thursday's game versus the Thunder, Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca reports.

Poeltl has been downgraded from questionable to out Thursday due to an illness. His next chance to suit up is Saturday's matchup with Dallas.

Davis (foot) is listed as probable for Friday's game versus the Hawks, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Davis continues to deal with left foot plantar fasciitis but is expected to make his 15th straight appearance Friday. Davis is averaging 34.6 minutes per contest over that span, indicating that he is unlikely to operate on a minutes restriction.

Horford is listed as questionable for Friday's game versus the Bucks due to a sprained left big toe.

Horford's toe injury could cause him to miss the first leg of Boston's back-to-back Friday. With Kristaps Porzingis (foot) also questionable, Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta could receive increased playing time.

Porzingis is listed as questionable for Friday's game versus the Bucks due to left posterior tibialis tendon injury management.

Porzingis could miss Friday's contest, as it is the first leg of a back-to-back. With Al Horford (toe) also questionable, Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta could receive increased playing time against Milwaukee.

Drummond (ankle) is listed questionable for Friday's game versus the Magic.

While Drummond was initially expected to remain out until Sunday's matchup with Chicago, he looks like he might have a chance to return from a two-game absence Friday. The 76ers are already listing Joel Embiid (knee) and Adem Bona (knee) as out for the contest, and if Drummond joins them on the sideline, the 76ers would likely turn to two-way player Pete Nance to serve as the backup to starting center Guerschon Yabusele.

Embiid (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Magic.

Embiid appears to be moving closer to a return, but he'll sit out a seventh straight contest Friday while he gets more time to recover from a left knee injury. With Adem Bona (knee) also ruled out and Andre Drummond (ankle) listed questionable, the 76ers will be thin at center if Drummond can't play. Guerschon Yabusele will presumably pick up another start Friday in place of Embiid, whose next opportunity to play will come Sunday in Chicago.

Missi (ankle) is available for Thursday's game versus the Suns, Jim Eichenhofer of the Pelicans' official site reports.

Missi has been upgraded from questionable to available Thursday despite dealing with a sprained right ankle. The rookie center is averaging 15.4 points, 10.4 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.0 steals in 29.0 minutes across his last five appearances.