NBA Player News

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.

Giddey (hamstring) won't play in Thursday's game against the Heat, K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reports.

After playing 29 minutes in Wednesday's loss in Indiana, Giddey is getting Thursday night off for hamstring injury maintenance. The Bulls have another back-to-back set coming up this weekend with the Heat, so more load management is likely on the horizon for Giddey. Isaac Okoro and Kevin Huerter should help hold down the fort Thursday.

The Hawks are considering Okongwu day-to-day after he underwent a successful dental procedure Thursday morning.

Okongwu has already been ruled out for Thursday night's matchup against the Rockets, but this bodes well for his future availability. That said, the Hawks are taking a slightly cautious approach and will hold out the big man at least for Saturday's tilt in Indiana as well, per Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network. Okongwu's next chance to play now comes Tuesday in Miami.

George (knee) is available for Thursday's game versus the Kings, Kyle Neubeck of AllPHLY.com reports.

George was being listed as probable, and now we have official confirmation that he'll be out there. George is averaging 16.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.5 triples and 1.5 steals per game this season.