NBA Player News

Finney-Smith (ankle) won't play in Thursday's game against the Warriors, Lachard Binkley of SI.com reports.

The veteran forward is sitting out the front end of Houston's back-to-back for injury management, and the expectation is that Finney-Smith will be able to play in Friday's tilt versus Portland. His absence Thursday should lead to a bump in minutes for Josh Okogie and Clint Capela off the bench.

Sengun (illness) will play in Thursday's game against the Warriors, Varun Shankar of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Sengun hasn't missed a contest since Jan. 9, and an illness won't change that Thursday. Over his last seven outings following the All-Star break, the star big man has averaged 18.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.3 steals in 33.5 minutes per game.

Thompson (ankle) has been cleared to play Thursday against the Warriors, Varun Shankar of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Thompson suffered a right ankle sprain during Monday's matchup with Golden State, but after receiving several days off between games, he'll be ready to run the floor Thursday. He's been performing at a high level across the board of late, as he's averaging 16.6 points, 9.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.8 steals in his last five appearances, which includes three double-doubles.

Williams is out for Thursday's game against the Magic due to a left quadriceps contusion.

Williams had started three consecutive contests, though the Mavericks are getting Cooper Flagg (foot) back just in time to fill that void in the first unit. With Williams sitting out Thursday, Max Christie and Khris Middleton should both see a boost in minutes and are worthwhile streaming options in the majority of fantasy leagues.

Marshall (finger) is available for Thursday's game against the Magic.

Marshall appeared to be trending in the right direction after being added to the injury report as probable ahead of Thursday's matchup, and the Mavs have since upgraded him to available after missing two straight games with a right finger contusion. Expect the 28-year-old to be back in the starting lineup in his return.

Thompson (adductor) is available for Thursday's game against the Magic.

Thompson sat out Tuesday's loss to Charlotte due to a right adductor contusion, but the veteran sharpshooter has been given the green light to return for Thursday's contest. He has averaged 10.4 points, 1.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 2.8 threes over 20.2 minutes per game since the All-Star break.

Clark (illness) is available for Thursday's game against the Raptors.

Clark was initially listed as questionable for Thursday's game due to an illness, but the third-year pro has been given the green light to play against Toronto. However, his availability shouldn't impact the Timberwolves' rotation all that much, given that he's been a healthy DNP in five of Minnesota's last six games since the All-Star break.

Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said that Flagg (foot) is expected to play between 20-to-25 minutes Thursday against the Magic, Cody Taylor of USA Today reports.

As anticipated, the rookie forward will have his minutes carefully monitored in his first game action since Feb. 10. NBA reporter Marc Stein notes that Flagg is hopeful he'll also be able to suit up for the second half of his team's back-to-back Friday in Boston, which is all the more reason for Dallas to put a cap on his minutes Thursday.

Payton (ankle) won't play Thursday against the Rockets.

Payton is set for a second straight absence due to a left ankle injury. Moses Moody (wrist) and Will Richard (ankle) are also out, so it'll presumably be up to Gui Santos, Nate Williams and Malevy Leons to step up in the frontcourt.

Salaun is out for Friday's game against the Heat due to a left calf strain.

Salaun missed Wednesday's win in Boston with a left knee injury, but now the Hornets have ruled him out with a calf strain. The second-year forward's absence should have a negligible impact on the Charlotte frontcourt rotation Friday.