NBA Player News

Buzelis (ankle) has been cleared to play Thursday against the Lakers.

Buzelis entered the day with a probable tag and has since been upgraded to available. He's fresh off a career-high 41-point night Tuesday in a 130-124 overtime victory against Golden State.

Giddey (ankle) will play Thursday night against the Lakers.

As expected, Giddey will shed his probable tag and suit up for Thursday's clash in LA. He's been on an absolute tear lately, racking up three triple-doubles in his last four appearances.

Smith (calf) has been cleared to play Thursday against the Lakers, K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reports.

Smith was tagged as questionable due to a calf issue, but he'll be ready to run the floor Thursday. However, coach Billy Donovan said in his pre-game presser that Smith would likely be held out for the second half of Chicago's back-to-back Friday against the Clippers, per Johnson.

Okoro (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday's game versus the Lakers, K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reports.

This will be the second straight game on the sidelines for Okoro, which could result in Tre Jones returning to the first unit, and there will be more minutes available for Leonard Miller. For now, Okoro should be considered questionable for Friday's meeting with the Clippers.

Williams will come off the bench for Thursday's game against the Celtics, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports.

Chet Holmgren (illness) is back after a two-game layoff, so Williams will retreat to the second unit. As a reserve this season, Williams owns averages of 6.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 triples per contest.

Sexton (lower leg) is out for Thursday's game against the Lakers, K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reports.

Sexton was handed a questionable tag after sitting out Tuesday, and the team has determined that he won't suit up Thursday. Leonard Miller should be the beneficiary with Isaac Okoro (knee) and Sexton both sidelined.

Williams (ankle) won't play Thursday against the Lakers, K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reports.

Williams was added to Chicago's injury report a day earlier as questionable due to an ankle injury, and after being downgraded to doubtful earlier Thursday, he's now officially been ruled out. Leonard Miller should be in store for more minutes with Williams out of commission.

Mitchell will be in the starting lineup for Thursday's matchup with the Celtics, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports.

Mitchell will replace Isaiah Joe in the first unit for Thursday's game, and he'll be joined by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cason Wallace, Luguentz Dort and Chet Holmgren. Over nine starts this season, Mitchell has recorded averages of 16.6 points, 4.1 assists, 1.6 treys and 1.6 steals per contest.

Yabusele (foot) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Lakers, K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reports.

Yabusele was downgraded to doubtful earlier in the day, and he's now officially been ruled out with foot soreness. Nick Richards and Lachlan Olbrich should have a chance for more minutes in Yabusele's place.

George has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 hamstring strain and will be reassessed in two weeks, Tim Bontemps of ESPN.com reports.

George went down with a hamstring injury during Wednesday's game against the Trail Blazers, and it'll cost him at least another two weeks. Isaiah Collier figures to hold down the starting point guard job until George returns to health.