NBA Player News

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

Head coach Ime Udoka said after Wednesday's practice that Smith is on track to play Thursday, but the Rockets may want to see Smith go through morning shootaround before confirming his availability. If Smith is able to return from a two-game absence, Reed Sheppard would likely revert to a bench role.

Sengun is questionable to play Thursday versus the Warriors due to an illness.

Sengun isn't feeling 100 percent, but we'll have a better idea on his status based on his activity level at Thursday's shootaround. If the star big man is forced to the sidelines, Clint Capela would have a chance to start, while Jeff Green could see meaningful playing time in the Houston rotation.

Tomlin (coach's decision) went unused off the bench Tuesday in the Cavaliers' 113-109 win over the Pistons.

After appearing in each of the last six games and averaging 9.2 minutes per game, Tomlin was ousted from the rotation while head coach Kenny Atkinson went with Thomas Bryant as the team's top big man off the bench and made use of Jaylon Tyson and Keon Ellis as undersized options at power forward. The Cavaliers could have a need for an extra big man in the event Jarrett Allen (knee) -- who exited Tuesday's game early -- isn't available Sunday against the Celtics, but Tomlin could be passed over for a spot in the rotation if Dean Wade (ankle) is cleared to return from a three-game absence.

Bouyea (coach's decision) went unused off the bench in Tuesday's 114-103 win over the Kings.

Bouyea had appeared in each of the Suns' previous six games and averaged 5.3 points, 2.7 assists, 2.2 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 16.8 minutes per contest over that stretch, but he exited the rotation Tuesday with Phoenix welcoming Devin Booker (hip) back into the fray. Though Bouyea received some added security by Phoenix converting him from a two-way deal to a standard NBA contract earlier this week, he'll likely find minutes difficult to come by when all of Booker, Collin Gillespie, Jalen Green and Grayson Allen are available.

Shannon (coach's decision) went unused off the bench in Tuesday's 117-110 win over the Grizzlies.

After rejoining the Timberwolves following the All-Star break after a prolonged absence due to a left foot strain, Shannon had cracked the rotation in three of the Timberwolves' first four games of the second half. However, after being limited to just 10 total minutes over the latter two appearances, Shannon has since failed to see any run in two straight contests. Shannon's path to earning playing time has only become more blocked moving forward after new signee Kyle Anderson (14 minutes) entered the rotation Tuesday in his team debut.

Anderson recorded two points (2-2 FT) and one rebound across 14 minutes Tuesday in the Timberwolves' 117-110 win over the Grizzlies.

After finalizing a one-year deal with the Timberwolves on Monday upon receiving a buyout from the Grizzlies, Anderson entered the rotation Tuesday to kick off his second stint with Minnesota. So long as the Timberwolves have all of Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle and Naz Reid available, the 32-year-old forward isn't expected to see his role expand dramatically and will likely struggle to attain fantasy relevance.

Demin (foot) won't play in Thursday's game against Miami, per C.J. Holmes of the New York Daily News.

The rookie first-rounder's absence is running up to three games for left plantar fascia injury management. Terance Mann is lined up for a third consecutive start at shooting guard Thursday, with Nolan Traore also being set for a rise in ball-handling duties at point guard.

New York recalled Dadiet from the G League's Westchester Knicks on Wednesday.

Dadiet will provide depth at forward for Wednesday's game against the Thunder but isn't expected to be part of the rotation.

Murray-Boyles is out for Thursday's game against Minnesota with a left thumb sprain.

Thursday is a third straight absence for the rookie first-rounder. In his absence, Jakob Poeltl should handle the bulk of the center minutes while Sandro Mamukelashvili takes on the backup role.

Watkins (ankle/foot) is out for Thursday's game against the Jazz.

Watkins is set to miss a second straight game due to a left ankle/foot sprain. He had been averaging 21.0 minutes per game over his last five appearances, so the Wizards should have some extra playing time available for some of their depth wings.