NBA Player News

Harper (ankle) is good to go for Thursday's game in Dallas, Jared Weiss of The Athletic reports.

Harper skipped Wednesday's win over the Thunder, but he'll return for Thursday's game without restrictions. With Harper back in the mix, Jordan McLaughlin could drop from the rotation entirely.

Walter is in the Raptors' starting lineup against the Bulls on Thursday.

Walter will make his 10th start of the season and first since Jan. 11 due to the absence of RJ Barrett (knee). Walter's best performance as a starter was Jan. 9 against the Celtics, when he tallied 19 points (7-12 FG, 5-9 3Pt), six rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block over 31 minutes.

Bagley (recently traded) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Spurs.

Bagley was part of the Wizards' trade package to the Mavericks on Tuesday, a move that centered around Anthony Davis (finger) going to Washington. Bagley averaged 10.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists over 19.2 minutes per game with the Wizards while operating mostly in a reserve role, and he is expected to have that same job with the Mavericks behind starting center Daniel Gafford. Bagley's next opportunity to make his Dallas debut is in Saturday's rematch against San Antonio.

Middleton (recently traded) is out for Thursday's game against the Spurs.

The Mavericks' moves prior to Thursday's trade deadline still aren't official, therefore Middleton isn't yet cleared to make his Dallas debut. That could change for Saturday's meeting with San Antonio. With the Mavs shorthanded Thursday, Max Christie, Caleb Martin and Klay Thompson could each push for minutes near the 30s.

Hardy (trade pending) won't play Thursday in Detroit.

The trade sending Hardy to Washington has not yet been finalized, so Hardy won't be available for Thursday's game. He'll likely make his Wizards debut Saturday in Brooklyn.

Russell (illness/recently traded) won't play Thursday against the Pistons.

Russell was traded from the Mavs to the Wizards on Wednesday, but the trade isn't yet official. He'll need to wait at least until Saturday against Brooklyn to make his Washington debut.

Salaun (illness) has been ruled out for Thursday's game in Houston.

An illness will force Salaun to the sidelines Thursday, but he's not a consistent part of the Hornets' rotation, anyway. His next chance to suit up will come Saturday in Atlanta.

Gafford (ankle) is available for Thursday's game against the Spurs, Noah Weber of TheSmokingCuban.com reports.

Gafford has dealt with a right ankle sprain for most of the year, but he's suiting up for the sixth consecutive time Thursday. With Anthony Davis (finger) now totally out of the picture in the Dallas frontcourt, Gafford is looking to find a rhythm as the established top center from here on out. The 27-year-old big man is averaging 9.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.0 steals in 23.1 minutes per tilt in his last five games, shooting 64.3 percent from the field.

Williams (lower leg) is out for Thursday's game against San Antonio, Noah Weber of TheSmokingCuban.com reports.

Williams is in line for a second consecutive absence due to a lower leg bruise. Klay Thompson and Miles Kelly will presumably be asked to step up in Williams' place Thursday night.

Cardwell agreed Thursday with the Kings on a four-year contract, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

As expected, the Kings ended up upgrading Cardwell from his two-way deal after the undrafted rookie out of Auburn had played his way into a regular spot in the NBA rotation. According to Charania, the first two seasons of Cardwell's deal will be fully guaranteed. While appearing in each of Sacramento's last 16 games, Cardwell has averaged 5.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, 1.2 assists and 0.5 steals in 21.3 minutes per contest.