NBA Player News

Nesmith (hand) is not being listed on the injury report ahead of Friday's game in Milwaukee.

Nesmith missed Tuesday's loss to the Jazz with a minor hand injury, but he'll be back in action Friday, which may result in Ben Sheppard returning to a reserve role. Nesmith is averaging 13.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.5 triples per game this season.

Simons (recently traded) is available for Thursday's game against the Raptors, per Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca.

After landing in Chicago in exchange for Nikola Vucevic, Simons is all set for his Bulls debut Thursday. The team is still shuffling some players around in the aftermath of Thursday's trade deadline, so Simons could be thrust into a fairly significant role right away. The veteran combo guard ended his Celtics tenure by averaging 16.9 points, 3.1 three-pointers, 2.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.0 steals in 26.6 minutes per contest in his final 10 games for the club.

Ivey (recently traded) is available for Thursday's game against the Raptors, Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Ivey was dealt from the Pistons to the Bulls on Tuesday, and the team has since announced that he'll be ready to make his Chicago debut Thursday evening. Ivey averaged 7.8 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists in his final 10 games with Detroit, all off the bench.

Siakam (rest) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Friday's matchup with Milwaukee.

Siakam was given a rest day on the second leg of a back-to-back set in Tuesday's loss to Utah, but he'll be back in the mix with his usual minutes Friday night. Siakam's return should result in Jarace Walker heading back to the bench, and Johnny Furphy's usage rate will likely dip.

Randle is questionable for Friday's game against the Pelicans due to left thumb soreness.

Randle finds himself on the injury report yet again due to a thumb issue, though he managed to play through the injury Wednesday against Toronto. Expect the team to clarify his status closer to tipoff.

Nembhard (lower back) is off the injury report for Friday's game against the Bucks.

Nembhard sat out Tuesday's loss to the Jazz for lower-back injury management, but he's primed to return to the court Friday. Over his last 11 contests, Nembhard has averaged 17.5 points, 9.0 assists and 4.4 rebounds in 32.8 minutes per game. Ben Sheppard could be headed to the bench Friday.

Portis (hip) is questionable for Friday's game versus the Pacers.

Portis has missed the past two games, but it looks like there's a chance he could return Friday. If Portis can get back on the court, there would be fewer minutes available for Andre Jackson and Pete Nance.

Love (illness) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Hawks.

Love will miss a second straight game due to illness. Kyle Filipowski should continue to see plenty of opportunities in Love's absence.

Harris is questionable for Friday's game against the Pacers due to a left hamstring strain.

The veteran sharpshooter is looking to end a four-game absence caused by the injury. With Amir Coffey having been traded away, Harris could see some decent burn off the bench if he's able to suit up.

Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic said Thursday that Poeltl (back) has been "reacting really well" to his recent on-court work, and the Raptors are hopeful he can return before the All-Star break, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Poeltl has already been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Bulls, but if he's able to increase his workload in practice Saturday, he may have a chance at playing as soon as Sunday's game versus the Pacers or next Wednesday's game against the Pistons. Given that he's been out since Dec. 21 due to a lower-back strain, Poeltl is likely to have some restrictions once he's cleared to play again, but he may be worth grabbing in certain leagues if he's sitting on a waiver wire. Collin Murray-Boyles and Sandro Mamukelashvili will both see their respective fantasy values take a hit once Poeltl is back in the mix and fully up to speed.