NBA Player News

Jerome (calf) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Trail Blazers.

Jerome has played in each of the Grizzlies' last three games after missing the first 46 games of the regular season due to a right calf strain that he suffered during the preseason. Memphis plays a back-to-back set against Portland on Friday and Saturday, so Jerome will be sidelined for the first leg and should be available for the second. Cam Spencer figures to enter the Grizzlies' starting lineup in Jerome's absence.

Watson has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 right hamstring strain, and he's expected to miss an extended amount of time, Tony Jones of The Athletic reports.

While Watson doesn't have an official timetable to return, it's worth noting that Aaron Gordon missed over a month when he suffered his initial hamstring injury, so Watson's timetable will likely be measured in weeks, not days. Julian Strawther, Spencer Jones, Tim Hardaway and Zeke Nnaji will attempt to help fill the void at the forward spots in Denver while Watson and Gordon are sidelined.

Eason (lower leg) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Hornets.

Eason popped up on Thursday's injury report as questionable due to a lower leg injury, and it wasn't until minutes before the 8:00 p.m. ET tipoff when the fourth-year pro was officially ruled out. Josh Okogie will enter the Rockets' starting lineup in Eason's absence.

Olynyk (foot) is available for Thursday's game against the Mavericks, Paul Garcia of ProjectSpurs.com reports.

Olynyk was ruled out for Wednesday's clash due to a foot injury, but he'll be available if needed against Dallas. He could see some minutes behind Victor Wembanyama as the backup center with Luke Kornet (ankle) ruled out.

Okogie is in the Rockets' starting lineup against the Hornets on Thursday, Lachard Binkley of SI.com reports.

Okogie has come off the bench in the Rockets' last three games, but he'll make his 29th start of the season Thursday due to the uncertainty over whether Tari Eason (lower leg) will play. Okogie has averaged 3.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 0.9 assists over 18.6 minutes per game since Jan. 1.

Koloko is not in the Hawks' starting lineup against the Jazz on Thursday.

Koloko has started in two of the Hawks' last three games in the absence of Onyeka Okongwu (mouth). Even with Okongwu ruled out Thursday, Koloko will revert to a bench role while newcomer Jock Landale makes his Hawks debut as a member of the team's starting five.

Simons is in the starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Raptors.

This certainly doesn't cement Simons in as a starter moving forward, as the Bulls are without several key backcourt contributors Thursday, including Josh Giddey (hamstring), Collin Sexton (recently traded) and Tre Jones (hamstring). However, this should be a great opportunity for Simons to show what he can do in his first action with the Bulls.

Landale is in the Hawks' starting lineup against the Jazz on Thursday.

Landale went from being the Grizzlies' roster to the Jazz's on Tuesday as part of the Jaren Jackson trade, only for the former to be moved to the Hawks one day later. Landale has been given the green light to make his Hawks debut Thursday, and he'll be a member of the team's starting lineup while Christian Koloko comes off the bench. Landale averaged 11.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 0.8 steals over 28.6 minutes per game over his last five starts with Memphis.

Ivey will start Thursday in Toronto.

Ivey will immediately be thrust into the first unit in Chicago, and it'll be Anfernee Simons, Isaac Okoro, Matas Buzelis and Jalen Smith joining him in the starting lineup for Thursday's game. Ivey wasn't able to establish himself in the offense in Detroit, but he'll get some time to shine with a change of scenery in Chicago.

Johnson (recently traded) won't play Thursday against the Spurs.

Johnson was dealt from the Wizards to the Mavs on Wednesday, but he won't be available Thursday since the trade isn't yet official. His next chance to make his Dallas debut will arrive Saturday in San Antonio.