NBA Player News

Bufkin won't start Thursday's game against the Mavericks, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

Bufkin was tapped for a spot start Tuesday with the Lakers without several key contributors, but he'll return to his usual bench role Thursday. The 22-year-old may not receive many chances to play given LA's backcourt has returned to health other than Luka Doncic (hamstring).

Nurkic isn't in the starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Trail Blazers.

Nurkic will be available for Thursday's matchup, but the fact that he's not listed in the starting lineup is likely a sign that he won't see much if any playing time. Instead, it'll be up to Kyle Filipowski and Kevin Love to eat up minutes at center.

Cissoko will startin Thursday's game against Utah.

Cissoko will receive an opportunity to run with the starters Thursday after being a healthy inactive for Wednesday's loss to to the Timberwolves. The 21-year-old contributed across the board in his most recent start against the Grizzlies this past Saturday, when he finished with seven points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals in 33 minutes. With Cissoko set to be active for his 50th game of the season Thursday, he'll be ineligible to suit up for the Trail Blazers for the remainder of the campaign unless Portland upgrades him from a two-way deal to a standard NBA contract.

Filipowski is starting Thursday's game against the Trail Blazers.

Filipowski is back in the starting lineup after coming off the bench in three straight games. It looks like it could be another night in which Jusuf Nurkic is available off the bench but won't play, meaning there could be plenty of chances for Filipowski to make an impact.

Williams is starting Thursday's game against Portland.

Williams will step into the starting lineup with the Jazz missing the majority of their first unit Thursday night. He's averaging 9.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.0 blocks in his last seven showings as a starter.

Sensabaugh is starting Thursday's game against the Trail Blazers.

Sensabaugh is in line for his first start since Jan. 10 as the Jazz will be without Lauri Markkanen (rest), Keyonte George (ankle) and Jaren Jackson (knee). Sensabaugh took full advantage of his chances Wednesday night and should see ample chances again Thursday.

Martin has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Lakers.

Martin will miss his first game since Dec. 20 due to a left ankle sprain. He'll need to wait until after the All-Star break to make his return, which should provide ample time to make a full recovery.

Marshall (foot) is available for Thursday's game against the Lakers.

Marshall was upgraded to probable a few hours before tipoff, and the team has since announced that he'll suit up Thursday evening. The Xavier product is averaging 17.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists over his last five matchups.

Reaves will play 25-to-30 minutes Thursday night against the Mavericks, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

Reaves logged 29 minutes in his previous appearance Monday against the Thunder before sitting out the second half of a back-to-back Tuesday. The Lakers are still monitoring the guard's minutes closely following his return from a calf injury, but he's continuing to inch closer toward a full workload.

Ayton (knee), who has been ruled out for Thursday's game against Dallas, is being considered day-to-day, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

All signs point to Ayton being cleared for a return after the All-Star break. The big man was sent for imaging to rule out a significant injury, and the results came back clean, per Dan Woike of The Athletic. Ayton will have just over another week to recover and rehab before the Lakers face off against the Clippers on Feb. 20.