NBA Player News

Jones (shoulder) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Lakers.

Jones will miss a third consecutive contest due to a right shoulder strain, and his next opportunity to play will come Friday against New York. With the 24-year-old forward unavailable, Tim Hardaway, Bruce Brown and Julian Strawther are candidates to see a slight uptick in playing time.

Johnson (ankle) is questionable for Thursday's game versus the Lakers.

Johnson sat out the second leg of a back-to-back set in Monday's win over the Jazz, and now he's in danger of missing a second straight game with Thursday's match being the first of a back-to-back. If he's out again, that would create more opportunity for Tim Hardaway, Bruce Brown and Julian Strawther.

Wiggins is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Knicks, Rylan Stiles of SI.com reports.

Wiggins got a spot start at power forward in Tuesday's 116-108 victory over the Bulls, but Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) is back Wednesday to reclaim his typical role in the first unit. Wiggins has averaged 7.0 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 18.4 minutes per contest over his last nine games off the bench, shooting just 25.9 percent from deep during this period.

Joe won't start against the Knicks on Wednesday, Rylan Stiles of SI.com reports.

Joe started Tuesday's win over the Bulls due to the absence of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen), but the former will slide to the second unit Wednesday with Gilgeous-Alexander back in action. Joe has averaged 14.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.2 steals in 22.2 minutes per contest over his last five appearances off the bench.

Williamson (ankle) is questionable for Thursday's game in Sacramento.

Williamson played through the ankle issue in Tuesday's loss to the Lakers, but with Thursday's game being the first of a back-to-back set against the 14-49 Kings, it wouldn't be shocking to see Williamson take the night off. If he is forced to the sidelines, that would open up minutes for Saddiq Bey and Derik Queen.

Murphy is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Kings due to neck spasms.

Murphy has appeared in two outings following a five-game absence due to a right shoulder contusion, though he's in danger of missing Thursday's contest due to the neck issue. If the 25-year-old swingman is unable to play, Bryce McGowens and Jeremiah Fears would be candidates for increased minutes, while Jordan Poole could enter the rotation.

Murray (reconditioning) is out for Thursday's game against the Kings.

Murray is sitting out the first leg of this back-to-back set. The expectation is that the star guard will be able to return Friday, when the Pelicans face the Suns in Phoenix. Derik Queen figures to start in Murray's place Thursday, and Jeremiah Fears should see an uptick in playmaking responsibilities.

Plumlee (reconditioning) is out for Thursday's game against the Pistons.

Plumlee's next chance to make his Spurs debut comes Friday against the Clippers. Luke Kornet should have the No. 2 center gig all to himself behind Victor Wembanyama on Thursday.

Barnes (ankle) is out for Thursday's game against the Pistons.

This will be Barnes' second straight game on the sidelines, and for now, he should be considered questionable for Friday's matchup with the Clippers. With the veteran forward out, there will be more minutes available for Julian Champagnie, Carter Bryant and Keldon Johnson.

Thompson (ankle) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Warriors.

Thompson sprained his right ankle in Monday's win over Washington and is in danger of missing just his third game of the season. According to Rockets reporter Will Kunkel, head coach Ime Udoka said Wednesday that Thompson will be good to go Thursday, though the questionable tag suggests there's still some uncertainty surrounding his availability. If he's ultimately ruled out, Reed Sheppard would likely start at point guard, while Aaron Holiday and Josh Okogie could see increased playing time.