NBA Player News

Murphy (neck) is available for Thursday's game against the Kings, Jim Eichenhofer of the Pelicans' official site reports.

Murphy popped up on the injury report for Thursday's game due to neck spasms, but the fifth-year pro has been cleared to play after going through pregame warmups. He has averaged 24.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 4.1 threes and 1.4 steals over 35.6 minutes per game since the start of the new year.

Miller is starting Thursday's game against Phoenix.

Miller has seen a significant uptick in playing time lately as the Bulls deal with several key injuries to the frontcourt, and he'll draw his first start of the campaign Thursday. The 22-year-old is averaging 11.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 blocks in his last three outings.

Sexton is in the Bulls' starting lineup against the Suns on Thursday.

Sexton will enter the Bulls' starting lineup due to the absence of Josh Giddey (ankle). Sexton has scored 20-plus points in back-to-back games and is averaging 13.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.7 threes and 1.4 steals over 24.1 minutes per game as a member of the Bulls this season.

Ighodaro is in the Suns' starting lineup against the Bulls on Thursday.

The 2024 second-rounder will make his eighth start of the season Thursday (and first since Dec. 29 against the Wizards) due to the absence of Mark Williams, the latter of whom is expected to miss at least 2-to-3 weeks due to a left foot injury. Ighodoro is coming off a strong performance against the Kings on Tuesday, when he logged 14 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and one block over 26 minutes.

Thompson is questionable to return to Thursday's game against San Antonio due to a right ankle sprain, Hunter Patterson of The Athletic reports.

Thompson left the game early in the first quarter after picking up an ankle injury. Javonte Green, Ronald Holland and Kevin Huerter could all gets more looks if Thompson is unable to return.

Johnson (ankle) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Lakers, Brendan Vogt of TheDNVR.com reports.

Johnson will miss a second consecutive game due to a right ankle injury that he picked up during the Nuggets' loss to the Timberwolves on Sunday, and his next chance to play is Friday against the Knicks. Tim Hardaway, Julian Strawther and Jonas Valanciunas should continue to operate in elevated roles for as long as Johnson is sidelined.

Thompson went to the locker room during the first quarter of Thursday's game against the Spurs with an apparent right ankle injury, Hunter Patterson of The Athletic reports.

Thompson appeared to twist his right ankle on a drive to the basket and was down in pain for a few minutes before hobbling to the locker room. Ronald Holland checked into the game to replace the injured Thompson, who can be considered questionable to return until the team has an update to share.

Zubac (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Lakers.

Zubac will have to wait at least one more game to make his Pacers debut while recovering from a left ankle sprain. His next chance to do so is Sunday against the Trail Blazers, but there's been no indication that the veteran center will be available for that contest.

Siakam (wrist) is listed as probable for Friday's game against the Lakers.

Siakam missed three consecutive games due to a left wrist sprain before returning against the Clippers on Wednesday, when he finished with 29 points, five rebounds, one assist and one three-pointer over 30 minutes in a 130-107 loss. The probable tag suggests that the veteran forward will be available for Friday's contest, though his official status should be announced closer to tip-off.

Nembhard is probable for Friday's game against the Lakers due to low-back and neck soreness.

Nembhard was able to play through these two issues Wednesday, and the probable designation is a sign that he expects to do so again Friday. The Pacers should have another update on his status closer to game time.