NBA Player News

Howard is out for Sunday's game against the Pelicans due to a left ankle sprain, Dan Savage of the Magic's official site reports.

It's not clear as to when Howard picked up the injury, but his absence should have only a minor impact on the Orlando rotation Sunday. Jamal Cain and Noah Penda could pick up a few additional minutes in Howard's place.

Towns (elbow) participated in practice Sunday, Jared Schwartz of the New York Post reports.

Towns was held out of Friday's game against Chicago after suffering a right elbow injury, but it appears he's trending in the right direction after practicing Sunday morning. The team should have an official designation for the big man closer to Monday's game in Atlanta.

Watkins provided 14 points (5-8 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal across 19 minutes before getting ejected from Saturday's 152-136 loss to Miami.

Watkins reached double figures in the scoring column for the first time since March 21, and he did so Saturday with efficiency. The 24-year-old has been deployed as a reserve in six consecutive games, and he's averaging 8.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.2 steals in 19.5 minutes over this span.

Hardy racked up 19 points (7-15 FG, 5-10 3Pt), two rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal over 25 minutes during Saturday's 152-136 loss to Miami.

Hardy had his three-point shot working throughout Saturday's clash, marking the third time in his last six games that he's torched the nets for five or more made treys. He was also involved on the defensive end by racking up at least one steal and one block for the first time since March 17. Hardy is averaging 16.2 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists over his last six matchups.

Reed provided 10 points (4-5 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-4 FT), seven rebounds, one block and two steals in 18 minutes during Saturday's 116-93 win over the 76ers.

Reed provided a solid boost off the bench Saturday, and he was far more involved across the board than in his previous showing, when he was held to four points and four rebounds in 16 minutes Thursday against Minnesota. The DePaul product has scored in double figures in four of his last five appearances and is averaging 11.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.6 blocks in 19.6 minutes during this stretch.

The Lakers recalled Thiero from the G League's South Bay Lakers on Sunday.

Since their last game Thursday, the Lakers have lost Austin Reaves (oblique) and Luka Doncic (hamstring) to long-term injuries, and with Marcus Smart (ankle) joining them on the sideline for Sunday's game in Dallas, Thiero was summoned from the G League to provide reinforcement. Even if he's included in the rotation Sunday, Thiero likely won't be in store for enough minutes to make a meaningful fantasy impact.

McGowens (toe) is out for Sunday's game against the Magic.

McGowens will remain sidelined while on the mend from a fractured toe. The team hasn't provided much of an update on his rehab, so it's unclear if he'll return before the regular season comes to an end. McGowens' next chance to suit up will arrive Tuesday against the Jazz.

Vukcevic (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Nets.

Vukcevic sat out of Saturday's matchup with the Heat due to a bruised right knee, but he'll have an opportunity to return for the second half of Washington's back-to-back. Alex Sarr (toe) has already been downgraded to out, so Anthony Gill and Julian Reese would be in line for an uptick in minutes if Vukcevic also can't go.

Young (quadriceps) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Nets.

Young hasn't played since March 16, and while the Wizards continue to treat him as day-to-day, it'd be surprising if the veteran point guard suited up during the final week of the regular season. In his absence, Bub Carrington, Jaden Hardy and Sharife Cooper remain candidates for increased roles.

Johnson (foot) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Nets.

After posting 11 points (5-13 FG), four assists and three rebounds in 25 minutes during Saturday's loss in Miami, Johnson is in danger of sitting out the second half of Washington's weekend back-to-back set. If he's sidelined, Jaden Hardy, Jamir Watkins and Sharife Cooper would be candidates for increased roles.