NBA Player News

Johnson (back) started the fourth quarter of Monday's game against the Thunder, per the television broadcast.

Johnson left the matchup during the third period due to back spasms, but he was cleared to return for the final 12 minutes of play. He wasn't moving quite like himself, according to Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette, so it remains to be seen whether he'll be able to close this one out.

Johnson is questionable to return to Monday's game against the Thunder due to back spasms.

Johnson went to the locker room during the third quarter, and it's not yet clear if he'll return to Monday's tilt. Tim Hardaway and Julian Strawther would see more time in the frontcourt if Johnson is shut down for the evening.

Williams is listed as questionable for Tuesday's game against the Warriors due to a left ankle sprain.

The ankle injury is a new concern for Williams, who recently missed four straight games due to a right quadriceps strain. If the 24-year-old forward is ultimately ruled out, Leonard Miller and Guerschon Yabusele would be candidates to see a bump in minutes.

Simons (wrist) is out for Tuesday's game against the Warriors.

Simons continues to miss time while on the mend from a left wrist fracture. He should be considered doubtful for Thursday's matchup against the Lakers until further notice.

Buzelis (ankle) is probable for Tuesday's game against the Warriors.

Buzelis is listed on the injury report with a right ankle sprain that forced him to miss Thursday's contest against the Suns, though he returned Sunday against the Kings. Carrying a probable tag, the 21-year-old will likely be available Tuesday. Over his past 10 games, the forward is averaging 17.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.8 blocks in 29.3 minutes per contest.

Smith is probable for Tuesday's game against Golden State due to a left calf strain.

This appears to be a precautionary listing for Smith, who made his first appearance since Feb. 22 against the Kings on Sunday after battling the calf injury. Expect the Maryland product to shed the probable tag closer to tipoff, assuming he doesn't experience any kind of setback.

Giddey (ankle) is listed as probable for Tuesday's game against the Warriors.

Giddey missed Thursday's win over Phoenix due to a right ankle sprain but is likely to suit up for a second consecutive contest. The 23-year-old point guard has averaged 14.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, 8.6 assists and 1.4 steals in 30.6 minutes per game over his last five outings.

Sexton (lower leg) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Warriors.

Sexton departed Sunday's matchup with a left leg injury, and he's now in danger of missing additional game action Tuesday. Chicago should have a better idea of his availability vs. Golden State closer to tipoff.

Tshiebwe is not in the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Warriors.

Tshiebwe drew his first start of the season Saturday and turned in a respectable performance in 12 minutes of action, but the big man will retreat to the bench Monday as the Jazz roll out a lineup of Keyonte George, John Konchar, Brice Sensabaugh, Cody Williams and Kyle Filipowski. In eight appearances as a reserve this season, Tshiebwe is averaging 3.3 points and 3.9 rebounds across 10.8 minutes per contest.

Sensabaugh will start Monday's game against the Warriors.

With Ace Bailey (illness) sidelined and Oscar Tshiebwe moving to the second unit, John Konchar and Sensabaugh will enter the starting five. As a starter this season (10 games), the 22-year-old forward has averaged 14.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 30.5 minutes per game.