NBA Player News

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.

Tshiebwe (concussion) is questionable for Friday's game against the Grizzlies.

Tshiebwe was put in the league's concussion protocol during last Thursday's loss to Portland but could return immediately after the All-Star break. Even if he's cleared to play, the two-way player isn't guaranteed to see significant burn.

Harkless (hamstring) is off Utah's injury report for Friday's game against Memphis.

Harkless looks to be healthy coming out of the All-Star break following an extended absence due to a left hamstring injury. However, the two-way player hasn't appeared at the NBA level since the middle of November, so his next appearance could end up coming with the G League's Salt Lake City Stars rather than the Jazz.

Markkanen (rest) isn't listed on the injury report ahead of Friday's game against the Grizzlies.

Markkanen took a seat for Utah's final game before the All-Star break, but he'll be back on the court for Friday's contest. He's been kept under 30 minutes in each of his last five appearances and is averaging 21.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists over that stretch.

Nurkic is out for Friday's game against Memphis due to nose injury management.

Nurkic went unused during last Thursday's loss to Portland, and fantasy managers should expect his availability to remain sporadic throughout the course of the stretch run. Kyle Filipowski should handle the bulk of the center minutes Friday, with Kevin Love filling in the No. 2 center spot behind him.

George (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Memphis.

George will miss a fourth consecutive contest due to a right ankle sprain and has played just 13 minutes in one appearance this month due to ankle injuries. The 22-year-old point guard's next opportunity to suit up will come against Houston on Monday. With George sidelined, Isaiah Collier will likely remain in the starting five.

Martin (ankle) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against Minnesota.

Martin is in jeopardy of missing his second consecutive contest due to a sprained left ankle. If the veteran forward joins Cooper Flagg (foot) on the sidelines, Khris Middleton and Klay Thompson would be candidates for increased playing time.