NBA Player News

James (foot) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Thursday's meeting with the Mavericks.

James was held out of Tuesday's loss to the Spurs due to some soreness in his left foot, but he'll get back out there for Thursday's game and should log his usual minutes. With James back in the mix, Jake LaRavia or Kobe Bufkin will likely return to the second unit, and Rui Hachimura's usage rate will dip.

Smart (ankle) is available for Thursday's game against the Mavericks.

Smart will be back in action Thursday after missing the closing leg of a back-to-back set Tuesday. He has started in 23 consecutive appearances, averaging 9.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 steals across 29.1 minutes during that stretch.

Ayton (knee) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against Dallas.

Ayton sat out Tuesday's loss to the Spurs and could miss a second consecutive contest ahead of the All-Star break due to right knee soreness. If the big man is unable to play Thursday, Jaxson Hayes would likely get the starting nod, while Maxi Kleber and Drew Timme would be candidates for increased playing time off the bench.

Thompson (rest) isn't listed on the injury report for Thursday's game against the Lakers.

Thompson got the night off Tuesday for rest purposes and, as expected, he'll be back in action for Thursday's matchup with the Lakers. Cooper Flagg (foot) is doubtful and both Naji Marshall (foot) and Caleb Martin (ankle) are questionable, which means Thompson could be thrust into a larger role Thursday.

Martin is questionable for Thursday's game versus the Lakers due to a left ankle sprain.

Martin tweaked his ankle during Tuesday's loss to the Suns and is now in danger of missing the Mavericks' final game before the All-Star break. If Martin can't play, Max Christie and Khris Middleton could see an uptick in minutes.

Doncic (hamstring) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Mavericks.

Doncic will miss a fourth consecutive contest due to a left hamstring strain, and his next opportunity to suit up for the Lakers will come Feb. 20 against the Clippers. Marcus Smart, Kobe Bufkin and Luke Kennard are candidates for increased playing time due to Doncic being sidelined.

Flagg is listed as doubtful for Thursday's game against the Lakers due to a left midfoot sprain.

Flagg is on track to miss the Mavericks' final game before the All-Star break due to a sprained foot. If he winds up sitting, Naji Marshall (foot), Klay Thompson and Khris Middleton could see an uptick in playing time. Flagg is averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.2 steals across 34.1 minutes per game this season.

Marshall is questionable for Thursday's game against the Lakers due to a left foot strain.

Marshall is dealing with an ailing foot, so he could skip the Mavs' final game heading into the All-Star break. We'll have a better idea on his status based on his activity level at shootaround, but if Marshall is forced to the sidelines, that would open up minutes for Max Christie and Khris Middleton.

Queta (ankle) returned to Wednesday's game against the Bulls with 8:47 remaining in the second quarter, per the broadcast.

Queta landed awkwardly on his left ankle in the opening quarter and exited to the locker room. However, the big man has been cleared to return and appears to be good to go for the remainder of the contest.

Murray (hip) is available for Wednesday's game against the Grizzlies.

Murray will shed his probable tag due to left hip inflammation and play in Denver's final game before the All-Star break. Over five February appearances, the star point guard has averaged 25.6 points, 9.6 assists and 4.4 rebounds in 37.4 minutes per contest.