NBA Player News

Powell won't return to Thursday's game against the 76ers due to a right groin strain. He finished with three points (1-5 FG, 1-4 3Pt), three rebounds and two assists in 10 minutes.

Powell appeared to aggravate an existing groin injury at some point in the second quarter, and the team quickly ruled him out for the rest of the game. The Heat will presumably send Powell in for further testing Friday before a determination is made on his status for Saturday's game against the Rockets.

Clifford is in the Kings' starting lineup against the Mavericks on Thursday, James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento reports.

Clifford and Devin Carter will both move into the Kings' starting lineup due to the absences of Keegan Murray (ankle) and Russell Westbrook (thigh). It will be Clifford's 11th start of the season, and as a starter, the rookie first-rounder has averaged 9.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.2 threes and 1.3 steals over 31.9 minutes per game.

Embiid (ribs) has returned to Thursday's game against the Heat, per the broadcast.

Embiid took a shot to the ribs and required a quick trip to the locker room, but he's since returned to the game. It appears he's fine.

Monk (ankle) has been cleared to play Thursday against the Mavericks.

Monk was in danger of missing Thursday's matchup due to ankle soreness, but he's since been cleared to take the court. The Kentucky product is averaging 12.5 points, 1.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists in his last four outings.

Embiid went to the locker room during the second quarter of Thursday's game against the Heat due to an apparent rib injury, Dave Uram of KYW Newsradio reports.

Embiid looked to take a knee to the ribs while attacking the basket and was in obvious pain well after the contact. He can be considered questionable to return until the team provides an update on his status.

Henderson will start Thursday in Chicago.

This will be Henderson's first start of the season, and it'll be Toumani Camara, Jrue Holiday, Jerami Grant and Kris Murray joining him in the first unit for Thursday's game. Henderson is coming off a 19-point game and will draw a favorable matchup against the Bulls, so he's on the radar as a potential streamer if you need some points and dimes.

Sexton will start Thursday's game against Portland.

Sexton will make just his second start since joining Chicago, as the Bulls navigate without the services of Patrick Williams (quadriceps) and Jalen Smith (calf). Sexton saw a substantial uptick in playing time Tuesday against the Hornets (28 minutes), and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him tackle a similar workload Thursday night.

Hayes (ankle) is available for Thursday's game against the Suns, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.

Hayes didn't play in the Lakers' loss to the Magic on Tuesday due to a right ankle sprain, but he has been cleared to play in Thursday's contest and will serve as the top big man off the bench behind Deandre Ayton. Hayes has averaged 8.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists over 16.0 minutes per game since Feb. 1.

Hansen (back) is available for Thursday's game against the Bulls.

Hansen popped up on the Blazers' injury report Wednesday due to mid-back soreness, but the rookie first-rounder has been given the green light to play Thursday. Donovan Clingan (illness) won't play, so Hansen and Robert Williams are slated for elevated roles in Clingan's absence.

Williams (foot) is available for Thursday's game against the Bulls.

Williams was added to the injury report as questionable due to a sore foot, but the issue won't prevent him from taking the court. Donovan Clingan (illness) has been downgraded to out, so there should be plenty of opportunities for Williams to step up Thursday evening.