NBA Player News

Head coach Kenny Atkinson said Friday that Mitchell's right groin strain is not a "long-term thing," Chris Fedor of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Mitchell is set to miss a second consecutive contest Friday due to the groin injury, though he should be considered day-to-day ahead of Sunday's game against the Nets. Until the star guard is cleared to return, Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson and Craig Porter are candidates for increased minutes.

Murray will have his sprained left ankle re-evaluated by medical staff in two weeks, Matt George of ABC 10 Sacramento reports.

The injury is to the same ankle that caused Murray to miss 20 consecutive games from early January to post-All-Star break. The Kings will take a cautious approach with the fourth-year forward, who could be back in action in mid-March depending on how well he progresses in his recovery. Nique Clifford, Malik Monk and Daeqwon Plowden are all candidates for increased roles for as long as Murray is sidelined.

Young (knee/quadriceps) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against Toronto.

Young is still recovering from right knee and quadriceps injuries, and his next opportunity to suit up will come Monday against the Rockets. The star point guard is set to be re-evaluated soon, though he can be considered doubtful for future contests until Washington offers an update on his progress.

Russell (not with team) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Raptors.

Russell has yet to suit up for the Wizards since being acquired from the Mavericks in early February in a three-team deal that also included the Hornets. It's unclear whether the Wizards will move on from the veteran guard, but if he's bought out, then he would certainly attract interest from playoff-contending teams looking to bolster their backcourt depth ahead of the postseason.

Riley is questionable for Saturday's game against Toronto with a right ankle contusion.

Fresh off securing his first career triple-double in Thursday's loss to the Hawks, Riley is at risk of sitting out for the first time since Jan. 9. The possible absence of Riley would likely get Bilal Coulibaly in the streaming mix in all leagues, with Justin Champagnie also being a candidate for an amplified role in this scenario.

George (knee) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Raptors.

George is in jeopardy of missing a second straight outing due to a left knee contusion. He has appeared in five of Washington's last eight games, averaging 12.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 20.4 minutes per contest over that stretch. If he's ultimately ruled out, Will Riley (ankle), Jamir Watkins and Justin Champagnie would be candidates for increased minutes.

Vukcevic is questionable for Saturday's game against Toronto with a left hip impingement.

Fantasy managers can look for the Wizards to update Vukcevic's status at some point closer to Saturday's tipoff. With Washington's centers banged up, Anthony Gill could see enough playing time to command streaming attention in all fantasy leagues if Vukcevic is unable to suit up.

Jovic (back) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Rockets.

The fourth-year pro's absence will extend to four games as he continues to recover from a lower-back injury, and his next chance to play is Tuesday against the Nets. Pelle Larsson and Simone Fontecchio should continue to see more opportunities for playing time for as long as Jovic is out of action.

Avdija (back) is listed as doubtful for Saturday's game against the Hornets.

Avdija is likely to miss a third consecutive contest while managing a lower-back injury. If the star forward is ultimately ruled out for the front end of this back-to-back set, Kris Murray, Sidy Cissoko and Jerami Grant would likely continue to soak up additional minutes.

Clingan (illness) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Hornets.

Clingan remains in jeopardy of sitting out after also missing Thursday's game against the Bulls. Another potential absence for Clingan on Saturday would likely result in an expanded role at center for Robert Williams, who would be a strong plug-and-play fantasy option in this case.