NBA Player News

Williams is doubtful for Thursday's game versus the Trail Blazers due to a right quad strain.

It looks like the Bulls will be without both Williams and Jalen Smith (calf) Thursday evening, which could result in major minutes for Guerschon Yabusele, Nick Richards and Leonard Miller. Check back closer to Thursday's tip for official confirmation on Williams' status.

Smith (calf) is officially listed as doubtful for Thursday's game against Portland.

Billy Donovan said Wednesday that Smith is "definitely not day-to-day." However, the Bulls' official injury report lists Smith as doubtful for Thursday's contest instead of out. While the contradictory statements leave Smith's timetable for return murky, it'd be shocking to see him suit up Thursday. While Smith is sidelined, look for Nick Richards and Guerschon Yabusele to handle most of the center duties.

Barnes (quadriceps) is available for Wednesday's game against the Spurs, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Barnes bruised his right quadriceps late in the fourth quarter of Tuesday's loss to the Thunder. He was initially listed as questionable for the second leg of Toronto's back-to-back set Wednesday, but he went through morning shootaround without any setbacks and has been given the green light to play against San Antonio. Since Feb. 1, Barnes has averaged 17.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 2.4 blocks and 1.9 steals over 33.1 minutes per game.

Green (back) won't play in Wednesday's game against the Grizzlies.

Green will take a seat for the tail end of a back-to-back set Wednesday night. The veteran forward's absence likely means Al Horford, Quinten Post and Gui Santos will see more playing time. Green should be back in action Saturday against the Lakers.

Toppin (foot) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Hornets.

The news comes as somewhat of a surprise, given that head coach Rick Carlisle told reporters Feb. 17 that it would be "a while" before Toppin returns to game action, per Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star. It appears as though Toppin is progressing nicely from a procedure he underwent in late October for a right foot stress reaction and has a chance to return Thursday in what would be his first regular-season game since Oct. 26 against the Timberwolves. He averaged 27.3 minutes per game across three regular-season appearances, but he would likely operate under a minutes restriction once he's cleared to return to NBA action.

Minott (G League assignment) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Spurs, Brian Lewis of the New York Post reports.

Acquired from the Celtics on Feb. 5, Minott didn't make any appearances for Brooklyn before being assigned to the G League's Long Island Nets following the All-Star break. He looks like he could rejoin the Nets ahead of Thursday's contest, but Minott is unlikely to be featured in the rotation if he suits up.

McNeeley (ankle) is out for Thursday's game in Indiana.

McNeeley hasn't made any appearances in the G League or NBA since Feb. 6 while he continues to tend to a left ankle sprain. Even once he overcomes the injury, the rookie first-round pick is unlikely to be a regular part of the Charlotte rotation.

Vukcevic is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Hawks due to a left hip impingement.

Vukcevic has been tending to a right-hand injury over the past week, but he's on the injury report ahead of Thursday's contest with a different ailment. The third-year center, who recently had his two-way contract converted to a standard deal, was limited to 22 minutes in his previous appearance, playing less than reserve center Anthony Gill.

George is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Hawks due to a left knee contusion.

George may have picked up the injury during Washington's 119-98 loss to Atlanta on Tuesday, when he played 21 minutes and finished with 11 points (3-10 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 4-4 FT), two rebounds and two assists. Justin Champagnie figures to be the top candidate to enter the Wizards' starting lineup if George is unable to play in Thursday's rematch.

Nembhard (back) is questionable for Thursday's game versus the Hornets.

Nembhard has been dealing with this back issue for months, but he's powered through it the past three games. We'll have a better idea of his status based on his activity level at shootaround, so managers can expect to get another update closer to Thursday's tip.