NBA Player News

Bona is not in the starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Hawks, Austin Krell of OnPattison.com reports.

The 76ers are instead rolling with Andre Drummond in the absence of Joel Embiid (shin/knee) on Thursday. Bona has averaged 4.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 14.2 minutes per tilt in his last eight games off the bench.

Mann won't start against the Cavaliers on Thursday, Erik Slater of ClutchPoints.com reports.

With Michael Porter (knee) back in action following a two-game absence, Mann will retreat to the second unit. Over four appearances off the bench this season, the 29-year-old guard has averaged 4.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists while shooting 43.8 percent from the field in 16.0 minutes per contest.

Williams is not part of the starting lineup for Thursday's game against Cleveland, per Erik Slater of ClutchPoints.com.

The Nets are getting Michael Porter and Noah Clowney back in the first unit Thursday. Williams has averaged 10.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.3 steals in 23.8 minutes per tilt in his last eight games off the bench.

Mitchell is out for at least one more week with an abdominal strain and a left ankle sprain, per Brandon Rahbar of DailyThunder.com.

The All-Star break didn't offer Mitchell enough time to heal. Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins should continue to handle an expanded role in the interim.

Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) will miss at least one more week, Brandon Rahbar of DailyThunder.com reports.

Gilgeous-Alexander hasn't played since Feb. 3 due to an abdominal strain and will remain out until next Friday's game against the Nuggets at the earliest. With the superstar point guard and Ajay Mitchell (abdomen) both unavailable, Isaiah Joe, Jared McCain and Nikola Topic are candidates for increased playing time.

Merrill will be deployed off the bench Thursday against Brooklyn, Serena Winters of FanDuel Sports Network Ohio reports.

Merrill will move back to a bench role with the Cavs' starting five returning to health. He ended his seven-game tenure with the starters on a high note, as he dropped 32 points in Cleveland's final game before the All-Star break.

Williams (hamstring) is scheduled to be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks, Brandon Rahbar of DailyThunder.com reports.

Williams' right hamstring injury has given him plenty of issues so far this season, and the issue will cost him at least another two weeks. He aggravated the injury Feb. 11 against Phoenix and hasn't taken the court since. The Thunder will continue to rely heavily on Alex Caruso, Aaron Wiggins and Cason Wallace, especially with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) and Ajay Mitchell (abdomen) also out at least another week.

Smith (calf) is available for Thursday's game against Toronto.

Smith is back from a three-game absence with a strained right calf and will likely push Guerschon Yabusele to the bench and eat into the playing time of Nick Richards. Over his last 12 appearances, Smith has averaged 13.3 points, 8.4 rebounds. 1.3 assists and 2.1 three-pointers in 26.8 minutes per game.

Jones (hamstring) is available for Thursday's game against the Raptors.

Jones was initially listed as questionable before being upgraded to probable Thursday, and he's now been cleared to return from an 11-game absence due to a strained left hamstring. It wouldn't be surprising to see him operate under a minutes restriction following the extended absence, though Jones' return will leave fewer minutes available for Rob Dillingham and Jaden Ivey.

Giddey (hamstring) will play Thursday against the Raptors.

Giddey is set for a return after missing Chicago's previous eight matchups while nursing a hamstring injury. He hasn't played in a game since Jan. 28, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see the team take it easy with his playing time in his first game back.