NBA Player News

Gardner won't start against the Hawks on Friday.

Gardner started four of Miami's seven outings prior to the All-Star break, though he'll retreat to the second unit Friday. He has averaged 3.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in 7.6 minutes per game over 22 appearances off the bench so far this season.

Ware is not in the Heat's starting lineup against the Hawks on Friday.

Ware started in each of the Heat's last two games before the All-Star break and recorded a double-double against the Pelicans on Feb. 11. However, the second-year center will retreat to the bench for Friday's contest after Andrew Wiggins (toe) was cleared to play.

Mitchell (illness) is in the starting lineup for Friday's game in Atlanta.

Mitchell is feeling a bit under the weather, but he'll power through and get out there for Friday's game. Joining him in the first unit will be Andrew Wiggins, Norman Powell, Pelle Larsson and Bam Adebayo.

Middleton will start Friday's game against the Timberwolves.

With Max Christie (ankle) sidelined, Middleton will draw his first start with the Mavericks. The veteran forward has averaged 10.5 points and 3.0 rebounds in 21.5 minutes per tilt over two appearances for Dallas.

Herro is not in the Heat's starting lineup against the Hawks on Friday, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Herro was given the green light to return Friday from a 15-game absence due to a rib injury. He'll come off the bench in his first game since Jan. 15 and will likely operate under a minutes restriction in his return.

Williams won't start against the Timberwolves on Friday.

The 26-year-old point guard got the starting nod in Dallas' final outing before the All-Star break, though he'll slide to the second unit Friday in favor of Tyus Jones. Over his last five appearances off the bench, Williams has averaged 13.6 points, 3.0 assists and 2.2 rebounds in 19.2 minutes per game.

Jones will start Friday versus the Timberwolves.

This will be Jones' second start in a Mavericks uniform, though he has yet to exceed 20 minutes in any of his three games with Dallas. In his previous start for the Mavericks this season, Jones finished with two points (1-4 FG), two rebounds, three assists, one steal and one turnover in 15 minutes.

Tomlin (calf) is available for Friday's game against the Hornets.

Tomlin will shake off his probable tag due to left calf soreness and suit up in the second half of this back-to-back set. Over five February appearances, the 25-year-old forward has averaged 7.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 17.2 minutes per tilt.

Anderson won't start against the Jazz on Friday.

Lawson Lovering will get the starting nod Friday, pushing Anderson to the second unit. Over three appearances (all starts) with the Grizzlies this season, the veteran forward has averaged 9.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.0 combined steals-plus-blocks and 1.0 assists in 23.7 minutes per contest.

Lovering is in the starting lineup for Friday's matchup with the Jazz.

This will be just the second game of the season for Lovering, who is getting the start with Santi Aldama (knee) unavailable. Joining Lovering in the starting five for Friday's game will be Jaylen Wells, GG Jackson, Jahmai Mashack and Taylor Hendricks.