NBA Player News

Leonard (knee) is questionable for Friday's game in Denver, Joey Linn of SI.com reports.

Leonard has been questionable for the past three games, but he has continued to play through a knee issue. However, if Leonard needs to miss Friday's game, that would create more opportunity for Kobe Sanders and Jordan Miller.

Thompson (knee) is available for Thursday's game against Charlotte, Joey Mistretta of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Thompson was added to the injury report as probable after missing Wednesday's clash due to left knee soreness, and he's officially been cleared to suit up Thursday. The 35-year-old has been held to six points in each of his previous two appearances, so he'll aim to get back on track against the Hornets.

LaVine will come off the bench Thursday against the 76ers, Matt George of ABC 10 Sacramento reports.

LaVine was removed from the injury report ahead of Thursday's matchup, but it appears the club will ease him back into action following a two-game absence due to lower-back soreness. Nique Clifford will remain in the starting lineup for the time being, though he hasn't been all that effective in two starting opportunities.

Schroder is starting Thursday's game against the 76ers, James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento reports.

Schroder will step into the starting five with Russell Westbrook (foot) ruled out Thursday. This marks Schroder's first start since Nov. 12. The guard began the season in a starting role for the Kings, averaging 11.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.1 steals in his first 12 appearances of the 2025-26 campaign, all starts.

Monk is out for Thursday's game against the 76ers due to right ankle soreness.

Monk is sidelined for a second consecutive contest, and he's up against a short turnaround if he wants to recover in time for Friday's matchup in Boston. Russell Westbrook (foot) also won't play Thursday, forcing the Kings to divvy up the bulk of the minutes at point guard between Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis.

Ware (hamstring) is available for Thursday's game in Chicago, Will Gottlieb of AllCHGO.com reports.

Ware saw just seven minutes off the bench in his return from a four-game absence Wednesday, so it'll be interesting to see if he's cleared for much more than that Thursday night. Ware will be a risky target in daily fantasy leagues as he works his way back from the hamstring injury.

Embiid (knee) will play Thursday against Sacramento, Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com reports.

Embiid will appear in a second straight game after previously being added to the team's injury report as probable due to left knee injury management. He's coming off a strong 29-point showing in 29 minutes Tuesday against the Bucks and is averaging 32.4 points over his previous five games.

Powell (back) has been cleared to play Thursday against Chicago, Will Gottlieb of AllCHGO.com reports.

Powell was added to the injury report as probable earlier in the day due to lower-back tightness, and he's since been given the green light to suit up. The UCLA product is averaging 18.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists over his last five appearances.

Smith (calf) is available for Thursday's game versus the Heat.

Smith is dealing with some minor soreness in his right calf, but he'll power through it and get out there for Thursday's match. Smith has been playing well in January, posting averages of 12.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.9 triples and 1.0 blocks per contest.

Grimes (ankle) is out for Thursday's game against the Kings, Kyle Neubeck of AllPHLY.com reports.

Grimes was being considered a game-time call leading up to Thursday's tipoff, but he's since been downgraded to out due to a right ankle sprain. His next chance to take the court will arrive Saturday against the Pelicans.