NBA Player News

Flagg (foot) is expected to play in Thursday's game in Orlando, NBA reporter Marc Stein reports.

The stage is set for the rookie No. 1 overall pick to end an eight-game absence due to a left mid-foot sprain. In all likelihood, Flagg will replace Brandon Williams (quadriceps) in the starting lineup Thursday. Flagg was on a heater in his last six appearances before getting injured, averaging 32.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.2 blocks in 35.7 minutes per tilt while shooting 52.6 percent from the field.

The Kings signed Hayes to a second 10-day contract Thursday, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports.

His first deal expired Thursday, but Sacramento wants to get another look at the 2020 first-round pick for at least their next handful of games. Hayes will be vying with second-year player Devin Carter for backup minutes at point guard, with the former averaging 2.2 points, 3.4 assists and 1.4 rebounds in 13.0 minutes per tilt through five games with the Kings.

Robinson (ankle) is off the injury report for Friday's game against Denver.

Robinson sat out Wednesday's win over the Thunder, the second leg of a back-to-back set, but he's ready to return to action Friday. The 27-year-old center has averaged 5.8 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 17.2 minutes per tilt in his last eight games, shooting a robust 73.9 percent from the floor.

Hart (back) is questionable for Friday's game against the Nuggets.

Hart picked up a lower back contusion during Wednesday's loss to the Thunder, but he was able to return to the game and finished with 10 points (4-11 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 12 rebounds and three assists in 25 minutes. If the forward is unable to play Friday, New York could rely more on Landry Shamet, Jordan Clarkson and Jeremy Sochan.

Murphy (neck) intends to play in Thursday's game against the Kings, per Mark Haynes of The Sacramento Observer.

If all goes well during pregame warmups, it sounds like the star forward will be able to go Thursday during the first night of a back-to-back set. Over his last eight outings, Murphy has averaged 24.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.1 steals in 34.0 minutes per game.

The Wizards announced Thursday that Davis (finger) will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

Davis has been cleared for limited individual on-court activities, which is encouraging. The superstar big man is recovering from ligament damage in his left hand, and it's fair to expect the 16-45 Wizards to take things slowly with Davis. With Alex Sarr (hamstring) also on the shelf, Washington is down to Tristan Vukcevic (thigh), Anthony Gill (illness) and Julian Reese at center.

Bamba ended with four points (2-3 FG), eight rebounds, one assist and two blocks in 21 minutes during Wednesday's 106-102 loss to Philadelphia.

This was Bamba's first taste of action since he signed a 10-day contract Feb. 26. He made a strong impression, and with his shot-blocking upside, he's worth monitoring in case he sticks around.

Sims supplied four points (2-2 FG), 11 rebounds and three assists in 23 minutes during Wednesday's 131-113 loss to the Hawks.

With Giannis Antetokounmpo on a minutes restriction, Sims has been able to hold down a significant role in the frontcourt mix. It looks like head coach Doc Rivers is committed to giving Sims meaningful minutes. The fifth-year big man has averaged 4.9 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 24.9 minutes per tilt in his last seven games while shooting 88.9 percent from the field.

Knueppel closed Wednesday's 118-89 victory over Boston with 20 points (7-14 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 2-3 FT), four rebounds and one block in 31 minutes.

Knueppel continues to make a strong case for the Rookie of the Year Award. The Hornets are surging and will like their chances of securing a spot in the postseason. Over his last eight games, Knueppel has averaged 21.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 4.1 three-pointers in 30.2 minutes per contest.

Diabate finished with nine points (2-4 FG, 5-6 FT), nine rebounds, six assists and two steals in 29 minutes during Wednesday's 118-89 victory over the Celtics.

Diabate continues to shine as Charlotte's starting center. Meanwhile, rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner has had to settle for a role with minutes in the teens off the bench. With Charlotte eyeing a playoff spot, Diabate's role appears to be locked in.