NBA Player News

Wade (ankle) contributed 11 points (4-4 FG, 3-3 3Pt) and five rebounds in 16 minutes Thursday in the Cavaliers' 112-84 win over the Nets.

The Cavaliers made room for Wade and Evan Mobley (calf) in the starting five in their returns from three- and seven-game absences, respectively, sending Jaylon Tyson and Sam Merrill to the bench as a result. Wade came through with an efficient shooting performance, but because the Cavaliers had amassed a 35-point lead by the end of the third quarter, head coach Kenny Atkinson rested the 29-year-old forward as well as the team's other four starters for the final period. Wade is still averaging a modest 22.7 minutes per game on the season, so he's unlikely to be in line for extended playing time even in more competitive contests.

Powell (back) is available to play Friday against the Hawks, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports.

Powell missed Miami's final two games before the All-Star break due to lower-back tightness, and he was previously listed as questionable. However, Powell said he's ready to go Friday, though it will be interesting to see if he's also going to play Saturday against the Grizzlies.

Markkanen (illness) is questionable for Friday's game versus Memphis.

Markkanen wasn't on the initial injury report Utah released, and this downgrade is a concern for his fantasy managers. The Jazz have been super cautious with all their key players this season, and the NBA has already issued them a steep fine as a result. If Markkanen is held out, the Jazz will likely lean more on Brice Sensabaugh, Kyle Filipowski and John Konchar.

Jones finished Thursday's 110-101 loss to the Raptors with 12 points (5-8 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 1-2 FT), one rebound, six assists and one block in 22 minutes.

Jones returned from an 11-game absence due to a strained left hamstring, and he was given a sizable role with the second unit. Notably, Jaden Ivey was pushed completely out of the rotation with Josh Giddey also back in the mix. With so much competition in the backcourt, Jones' value may be limited to deeper leagues.

Giddey registered five points (1-7 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 3-4 FT), four rebounds, five assists, one block and two steals across 21 minutes during Thursday's 110-101 loss to Toronto.

Giddey returned to action after missing Chicago's previous eight matchups while nursing a hamstring injury. He saw a modest workload, which is to be expected, and it's fair to expect the Bulls to proceed with caution moving forward. Plus, the Bulls begin a back-to-back set Saturday against Detroit.

Monk recorded 14 points (5-8 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 1-3 FT) and two assists across 20 minutes during Thursday's 131-94 loss to Orlando.

With Zach LaVine (hand) and Domantas Sabonis (knee) out for the season, Monk is a candidate to see increased usage down the stretch. An illness sidelined Monk for the Kings' final three games before the All-Star break, but he saw a modest workload Thursday with the team getting blown out by Orlando.

Westbrook produced five points (2-8 FG, 1-6 3Pt), one assist and one steal across 17 minutes during Thursday's 131-94 loss to the Magic.

Westbrook missed the Kings' final game before the All-Star break due to left ankle soreness, and despite reprising his role in the starting lineup, the veteran saw a reduced workload as his team was blown away early. With the Kings not playing for much down the stretch, it will be interesting to see if Westbrook's role is impacted.

Livers registered zero points (0-1 FG, 0-1 3Pt), one rebound and one assist over 10 minutes during Thursday's 121-94 loss to the Spurs.

Livers missed the Suns' final three games before the All-Star break with a shoulder issue, but he's back at 100 percent for the Suns. Even with Dillon Brooks suspended for this contest, Livers wasn't able to find much breathing room at forward.

Batum produced six points (2-3 FG, 2-3 3Pt) and two rebounds in 18 minutes during Thursday's 115-114 win over the Nuggets.

Batum was rested for the final game before the All-Star break, but he was back in his usual role Thursday. The veteran is unlikely to see enough minutes or usage to make an impact outside of very deep formats moving forward.

Richard racked up 17 points (6-11 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT), five rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal across 24 minutes during Thursday's 121-110 loss to the Celtics.

Richard missed the final game before the All-Star break with a knee issue, but he responded with one of his best performances of the season Thursday. With Stephen Curry hobbled by a knee issue, there are more minutes up for grabs in the backcourt, and Richard made a strong case to absorb some of them Thursday.