NBA Player News

Booker (undisclosed) exited to the locker room in the second quarter of Thursday's game against the Spurs, Amanda Pflugrad of 3TV Phoenix reports.

It's unclear why Booker headed back to the locker room late in the first half, though he should be considered questionable to return for the second until more information comes to light. He has tallied five points (2-6 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 1-2 FT) and one rebound across nine minutes thus far.

Carter is not in the Kings' starting lineup against the Magic on Thursday, Brenden Nunes of KHTK Sactown Sports 1140 reports.

Carter made his first start of the season against the Jazz on Feb. 11, and he put together a strong performance with 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and one block over 30 minutes. He'll move back to his usual spot on the bench Thursday due to the return of Russell Westbrook (ankle).

Walker finished Thursday's 112-105 loss to the Wizards with 19 points (5-15 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 8-10 FT), 14 rebounds, seven assists and two steals over 30 minutes.

Walker did not have the most efficient night from the field and committed five turnovers, but the third-year pro put together a strong stat line during Thursday's loss. He led the Pacers in points, rebounds and assists, and his 14 boards were a career high. Walker should continue to operate in an expanded role in the absence of Johnny Furphy, the latter of whom will miss the rest of the regular season due to a torn right ACL.

Porzingis (Achilles) is available for Thursday's game against the Celtics.

After being traded from Atlanta to Golden State on Feb. 4, Porzingis will make his Warriors debut in their first outing following the All-Star break. The veteran big man hasn't played since Jan. 7 due to a lingering left Achilles injury, and he will be on an unspecified minutes restriction, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com.

Porzingis (Achilles) has been upgraded to probable for Thursday's game against the Celtics, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Porzingis appears likely to make his Warriors debut Thursday, though he'll come off the bench and will be on a minutes restriction if he plays. The veteran big man hasn't played since Jan. 7 due to a lingering left Achilles issue. He averaged 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 blocks across 24.3 minutes per game in 17 regular-season outings (12 starts) with the Hawks before being traded to Golden State on Feb. 4.

Nesmith has been ruled out for the remainder of Thursday's game against the Wizards due to a right ankle sprain. He'll finish the night with three points (0-3 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 3-3 FT), two rebounds and one assist in 15 minutes.

Nesmith won't return for the second half after suffering an ankle injury during a collision with teammate Jay Huff. Kobe Brown and Ben Sheppard will presumably be leaned on more heavily the rest of the way with Nesmith sidelined.

Jones has been ruled out for the rest of Thursday's game against the Wizards due to lower-back soreness.

It's not clear when Jones tweaked his back, but the injury is severe enough for the rookie second-round pick to remain sidelined for the rest of the contest. He'll end the night with four points (2-2 FG), two assists and one steal over 14 minutes. With Thursday's contest representing the front end of a back-to-back set, Jones could be in line to sit out the rematch with the Wizards on Friday.

Goodwin won't start Thursday's game against the Spurs.

With Devin Booker (ankle) returning from a one-game absence, Goodwin will retreat to the second unit. Over five appearances off the bench this month, the 27-year-old guard has averaged 9.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.4 steals and 1.6 assists across 25.6 minutes per contest.

Green is in the Suns' starting lineup against the Spurs on Thursday.

Green has been hampered by a hamstring injury all season but was cleared to play in two of the Suns' three games prior to the All-Star break. He's been limited to 20 minutes or less since his return, but his move to the starting lineup -- for the first time since Nov. 8 -- is a positive sign for his recovery and conditioning. Green's move to the starting five will result in Jordan Goodwin coming off the bench for Thursday's contest.

Ayton (knee) isn't listed on the injury report ahead of Friday's game against the Clippers, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

Ayton missed a pair of games before the All-Star break due to knee soreness, but after a few days off, he's been cleared to return. He'll presumably slot back into the starting five Friday, which would bump Jaxson Hayes back to the bench.