NBA Player News

Powell (illness) is out for Wednesday's game against the 76ers.

Powell continues to battle an illness that will sideline him for a third straight contest. His next chance to return will be Saturday against the Wizards.

Queta (thumb) is off the injury report for Wednesday's game against Miami, Justin Turpin of WEEI.com reports.

After sitting out Monday's loss to the Hawks with a thumb injury, Queta is ready to get back into the lineup Wednesday and will likely push Luka Garza to the bench. Queta has averaged 11.0 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 27.9 minutes per contest across his last eight games, shooting 69.1 percent from the field during this stretch.

Harper (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's game against Miami, Justin Turpin of WEEI.com reports.

Harper remains day-to-day after missing Monday's game against Atlanta. His status doesn't carry much weight in fantasy hoops, however.

Tatum (Achilles) is available for Wednesday against Miami, Justin Turpin of WEEI.com reports.

As expected, Tatum has the green light to return after getting a maintenance day against the Hawks on Monday. He's averaging 25.7 points, 9.7 rebounds and 6.7 assists over his last three outings.

Thiero (knee) is available for Tuesday's game against the Wizards.

Thiero will be available off the bench after three straight absences. He's not guaranteed any minutes, however.

Smart (ankle) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Cavaliers.

The veteran guard will sit out a fifth straight contest due to a right ankle contusion. His next chance to play will come Thursday in Oklahoma City. Jake LaRavia will likely continue starting at small forward for the Lakers on Tuesday.

Strus (foot) will be available for Tuesday's game against the Lakers.

Strus is no longer on the injury report after missing Monday's game against Utah for injury management. In six appearances this season, Strus holds averages of 12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists.

Merrill (hamstring) is out for Tuesday's game against the Lakers.

Merrill's absence will be maintenance-related Tuesday, giving him a good chance of returning Thursday against the Warriors. Keon Ellis should step into the starting lineup versus the Lakers and see a sizable boost in playing time.

Allen (knee) is available for Tuesday's game against the Lakers.

Allen is set to return after getting the night off Monday against the Jazz. In Allen's most recent performance Friday against Miami, he looked sharp with 18 points (8-10 FG, 2-2 FT), 10 rebounds and one block over 18 minutes.

James is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Cavaliers due to left foot injury management.

The Lakers are contemplating giving James a maintenance day for the second leg of a back-to-back set while he continues to manage a lingering left foot issue. During Monday's 120-101 win over the Wizards, James finished with 21 points (8-16 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 4-6 FT), 12 assists, 10 rebounds and one block across 33 minutes.