NBA Player News

Collins (toe) is out for Thursday's game against the Raptors.

Collins has been sidelined since late December with a sprained right toe, and his timeline for a return remains murky at best. With the big man looking to be week-to-week, the backup center minutes behind Jalen Smith (calf) belong to Nick Richards and Guerschon Yabusele in the interim.

Jones (hamstring) is questionable for Thursday's game against Toronto.

Jones is trying to avoid missing a 12th consecutive contest due to a strained left hamstring. With Josh Giddey (hamstring) also iffy for Thursday, Anfernee Simons, Jaden Ivey and Collin Sexton may still be needed to handle the bulk of the playmaking duties.

Okoro (knee) is off the injury report for Thursday's game against the Raptors.

After sitting out Chicago's last contest before the All-Star break, Okoro is ready to go Thursday and is likely to force Patrick Williams to the bench. Okoro has averaged 11.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.5 steals in 32.1 minutes per contest in his last six games.

Smith (calf) is probable for Thursday's game against the Raptors.

Smith is trending towards a return after missing the final three games before the All-Star break. With Nikola Vucevic in Boston, Smith has a big opportunity to run away with the starting center job in Chicago.

Giddey (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Raptors.

Giddey was a full participant in practice Wednesday after missing the final eight games before the All-Star break. Recent reports out of Chicago are pointing towards a return to action for Giddey, but he will need to get through warmups without any setbacks before he is given the green light.

Clowney (ankle) is off the injury report for Thursday's game against the Cavaliers.

Clowney missed Brooklyn's final contest before the All-Star break, but he's all set to play Thursday. One of Ziaire Williams or Terance Mann is likely heading to the bench. Over his last four appearances, Clowney has averaged 11.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 2.0 three-pointers in 24.5 minutes per game.

Porter (knee) will play Thursday against the Cavaliers.

Porter missed the final two games before the All-Star break due to right knee tendinitis. He's had plenty of time to rest, however, and he's no longer appearing on the injury report. Thursday's game is the front end of a back-to-back set, so a maintenance day could be on the table for Friday.

Claxton won't play Thursday against the Cavaliers due to a right ankle sprain, Erik Slater of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Claxton had missed the Nets' final game prior to the All-Star break due to right hip soreness, but after recovering from that injury, he rolled his right ankle at practice Wednesday and will miss another contest. In Claxton's absence, Day'Ron Sharpe will start at center and could be in line for a 30-plus-minute role if he's able to stay out of foul trouble.

Herro (ribs) is expected to practice Thursday, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports.

Herro has been out for 15 straight games due to a right costochondral injury to his ribs, but he's finally nearing a return to game action. More light on the star guard's status should arrive either following the session or when Miami releases its next official injury report Thursday, but Herro can be tentatively labeled as questionable for Friday's contest in Atlanta for now. His eventual presence could push Kasparas Jakucionis out of the Heat's rotation entirely.

The Hawks announced Wednesday that Kuminga (knee) will be re-evaluated in about one week.

Kuminga remains in recovery mode after sustaining a left knee bone bruise in late January with the Warriors. As a result, it appears the forward will miss at least Atlanta's next four games before being re-evaluated. Until Kuminga is ready to make his Hawks debut, more playing time will remain available for Corey Kispert and Zaccharie Risacher.