NBA Player News

Theis is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Raptors, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.

Theis will head back to the bench after two straight starts, as Yves Missi will recover his role in the starting lineup. Theis is averaging a mere 3.3 points and 2.8 rebounds per game when coming off the bench this season, so he shouldn't have a lot of fantasy appeal in most formats.

Hayes (ankle) is out for Wednesday's game against the Spurs.

Hayes was diagnosed with a right ankle contusion following Tuesday's loss to the Suns, and he won't feature in the second leg of his back-to-back set. However, his absence shouldn't affect many fantasy decisions. Hayes' next chance to play will come Friday against the Thunder.

Collins (knee) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Nuggets.

As expected, Collins has been downgraded from doubtful to out and will join Lauri Markkanen (personal), Kyle Filipowski (lower leg) and Jordan Clarkson (foot) as unavailable. Utah will need multiple players to step up against Denver, with Brice Sensabaugh and Johnny Juzang as the most likely candidates. Collins' next chance to suit up will come Saturday versus Dallas.

Collins (knee) has been downgraded to doubtful ahead of Wednesday's game against the Nuggets.

Collins was initially listed as questionable for this contest, and the downgrade in status roughly two hours before the 9 p.m. ET tipoff suggests his chances of playing are minimal. If Collins ends up being ruled out, then Brice Sensabaugh and Drew Eubanks would be in line to see more minutes in the frontcourt.

Carter (foot) will start Wednesday's game against the Bulls but will be on a limit of roughly 14-to-16 minutes, Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel reports.

Carter has missed nearly a month with left foot plantar fasciitis. Even though he'll be limited in his first game back, it's encouraging that he's with the starters. In five appearances prior to his injury, Carter averaged 8.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 steals in 29.8 minutes. His return will most likely result in reduced roles for Moritz Wagner and Goga Bitadze.

Bamba (knee) is available for Wednesday's matchup against the Wizards, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

Bamba sat out Monday's loss to Boston -- the second half of a back-to-back -- due to left knee injury recovery. Following some rest, he's good to go Wednesday. He's seen double-digit minutes in each of his past three appearances, averaging 6.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.0 blocks.

Gafford (illness) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Knicks.

Gafford was a late addition to the injury report and will ultimately be sidelined by an illness. Dereck Lively, who left Monday's win over Atlanta early due to an illness, is available and should start at center again, while Maxi Kleber is a candidate for a few extra minutes off the bench in Gafford's absence.

Lively (illness) is available for Wednesday's game against the Knicks.

Lively left Monday's game early due to an illness and was questionable for Wednesday. However, the big man has been cleared to play and may see an elevated role, as Daniel Gafford (illness) has been ruled out. Over his last seven appearances (all starts), Lively has averaged 7.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.3 blocks in 20.9 minutes per game.

Ayton (finger) is available for Wednesday's game against the Pacers, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports.

Ayton will shake off a questionable tag and return to action following a seven-game absence. With Donovan Clingan (knee) and Robert Williams (concussion) unavailable, Portland will need as many minutes as they can get out of Ayton. Before his absence, Ayton averaged 13.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.5 blocks in 29.4 minutes per game across 11 appearances.

Drummond will start Wednesday's game against the Rockets, Sam DiGiovanni of ClutchPoints.com reports.

With Paul George (knee), Joel Embiid (knee), Kyle Lowry (hip) and Caleb Martin (back) all sidelined, Drummond will make his first start since Nov. 10 and be joined by Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, Kelly Oubre and Guerschon Yabusele. As a starter this season (nine games), Drummond has averaged 9.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 26.0 minutes per game.