NBA Player News

Black will start his 28th consecutive game Monday night against the Bucks.

It was initially reported that Black would shift to the bench Monday with Franz Wagner cleared to play, but the Magic will elect to keep Black with the first unit while Wagner returns to game shape. Black has reached the 20-point threshold in three of his previous six appearances and is averaging 18.5 points in 33.5 minutes per game during this stretch.

Black will come off the bench Monday night against the Bucks.

Black will move back to the bench with Franz Wagner set to return from a nine-game absence. Black is averaging 17.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.0 steals in his previous six appearances as a reserve, which dates back to a stretch from Nov. 25 - Dec. 7.

The Lakers recalled Thiero (knee) from the G League's South Bay Lakers on Monday, Ryan Ward of SI.com reports.

Thiero, who hasn't played since Dec. 30 due to a right MCL sprain, practiced with the G League team Sunday and appears to be on the cusp of a return. The rookie won't play Monday against the Thunder, but he may have a chance at playing in the second leg of a back-to-back set Tuesday versus the Spurts. Thiero has appeared in 15 games this season, averaging 1.3 points and 1.2 rebounds in 5.8 minutes per contest.

James was recalled from the G League's South Bay Lakers on Monday, Ryan Ward of Lakers on SI reports.

James was sent to the G League earlier in the day to get some work with South Bay, but he'll rejoin the Lakers ahead of Monday's clash against the Thunder. He's played in nine games since Jan. 1 and is averaging 2.4 points in 4.0 minutes over this stretch.

Carter (ankle) will play in Monday's game against the Bucks, Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel reports.

Carter is dealing with left ankle soreness, but he's overcoming a questionable designation Monday. There's no word of any minutes restriction for the veteran center. Carter has been quiet as of late, averaging 6.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.0 assists in 23.3 minutes per game across his last four contests.

Thompson (rest) is questionable for Tuesday's game against Phoenix.

Thompson isn't listed with an injury, but Dallas may opt to rest the veteran wing Tuesday. Over his past 10 games, the 36-year-old is averaging 12.8 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists on 42.3 percent shooting from the field and 41.3 percent from beyond the arc in 21.5 minutes per contest. If Thompson sits, additional minutes could open up for recently acquired Khris Middleton, who's in line to make his team debut.

Middleton (recently traded) isn't listed on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's game against Phoenix.

Middleton is ready to make his Dallas debut after being traded from the Wizards on Wednesday. He figures to plug right into the rotation, presumably logging bench minutes behind P.J. Washington.

Stewart is not in the starting lineup for Monday's game against Charlotte.

Stewart started in the frontcourt over the previous two games but will return to a bench role Monday with Jalen Duren (knee) cleared to play. Overall, Stewart has come off the bench in 34 of his 47 appearances this season, averaging 9.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1.2 assists in 22.2 minutes per contest as a reserve.

Duren (knee) is starting Monday's game against the Hornets.

Duren sat out of Friday's game against the Knicks due to a right knee issue, but he's since received the green light to play Monday. Isaiah Stewart will retreat to a bench role with Duren back in action.

Daniels (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's game against Minnesota, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports.

Daniels will sit out Monday's contest while dealing with right ankle inflammation. Over his past five games, the guard averaged 7.2 points, 5.6 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals on 35.4 percent shooting from the field. CJ McCollum, Gabe Vincent and Buddy Hield are candidates for increased run, while Daniels' next chance to suit up will come Wednesday against Charlotte.