NBA Player News

Nuggets head coach David Adelman said Wednesday that Watson (hamstring) could be cleared to return to action at some point next week, Vic Lombardi of Altitude Sports reports.

Given Adelman's comments, Watson -- who had already been ruled out for Wednesday's game against Houston -- will likely be sidelined for at least two more games beyond that. According to Adelman, Watson has healed from the right hamstring strain that has kept him out of action since Feb. 7, and the forward's next step is to get reconditioned. Watson had been in the midst of a breakout season prior to getting hurt, appearing in 49 games and shooting 49.6 percent from the field and 41.7 percent from downtown while averaging 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.5 triples, 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steals in 30.7 minutes.

Shamet is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's matchup with the Jazz, Steve Popper of Newsday reports.

Shamet is getting a spot start with Josh Hart (knee) unavailable. Over nine starts this season, Shamet has posted averages of 9.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.9 triples per contest on 41/36/74 shooting splits.

Smart is doubtful to play Thursday against the Bulls due to a right hip contusion, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.

Smart's minutes figure to be divvied up amongst Luke Kennard, Dalton Knecht and Kobe Bufkin. Check back for official confirmation on Smart's status closer to Thursday's tip.

Kalkbrenner (illness) is now probable for Wednesday's game against Sacramento.

Kalkbrenner is a late add to the injury report Wednesday, as the rookie big man is feeling under the weather. While he's still likely to play, fantasy managers should keep an eye on his status leading up to the 10:00pm ET tipoff.

Kleber (back) is questionable for Thursday's game against Chicago, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.

Kleber has been tending to a lumbar back strain recently and has been unavailable in four of the Lakers' last five games. If he can't suit up Thursday, Jaxson Hayes would serve as the top backup to Deandre Ayton.

James (hip/foot) is questionable for Thursday's game versus the Bulls, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.

James has missed the past three games for the Lakers, but there's a chance he'll be able to get back out there Thursday. If James is cleared, Rui Hachimura or Marcus Smart would likely head back to the second unit, and Jake LaRavia's minutes would presumably dip.

Hayes (back) is probable for Thursday's game against Chicago, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.

Hayes was downgraded to out shortly before tipoff Tuesday because of back soreness, but he's on track to return Thursday. Hayes is averaging 7.0 points and 4.0 rebounds across 17.7 minutes per game this season.

Yabusele is questionable for Thursday's game against the Lakers due to left foot soreness.

If Yabusele can't play Thursday, Nick Richards would have a chance to start, and there would be more minutes available for Lachlan Olbrich and Leonard Miller. Check back for another update on Yabusele closer to Thursday's tip.

Buzelis is listed as probable for Thursday's game against the Lakers due to a sprained right ankle.

Buzelis popped up on the injury report for the opening leg of a back-to-back set due to an ankle injury. The second-year forward, who's fresh off his first 40-point game, is expected to play through the issue Thursday night.

Williams (ankle) is questionable for Thursday's game versus the Lakers.

Williams missed Tuesday's win over the Warriors with the ankle issue, and with Thursday's game coming as the first in a back-to-back set, it wouldn't be surprising to see Williams spend at least one more game on the sidelines. Managers can expect to get official confirmation on his status closer to Thursday's tip.