NBA Player News

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.

Williams (knee) isn't listed on the injury report ahead of Friday's game against the Heat.

Williams got the night off Wednesday in the second half of the team's back-to-back, but he'll be ready to roll for Friday's clash. The veteran forward is averaging 7.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 20 games since making his return from a torn meniscus and ACL on Jan. 10.

Carter (ankle) is available for Thursday's game against the Mavericks.

Carter did not play in the Magic's 126-109 win over the Wizards on Tuesday due to right ankle soreness. The veteran center has been given the green light to return Thursday, which should bump Goga Bitadze out of the Magic's starting lineup. Carter has averaged 10.7 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists over 31.3 minutes per game since the All-Star break.

Black (quadriceps) will play Thursday against the Mavericks.

Black was spotted taking part in shootaround earlier in the day, and he evidently feels healthy enough to give it a go. He'll make his return to the court after missing two games with a bruised right quad.

Isaac is out for Thursday's game against the Mavericks due to left knee soreness.

Isaac was a late addition to the injury report, and his next chance to play now comes in Saturday's matchup against the Timberwolves in Minnesota. His absence could allow Tristan da Silva and Jevon Carter to see an uptick in playing time Thursday.

Flagg (foot) will play in Thursday's game against the Magic, Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The expectation is that Flagg will have a minutes restriction in his return from an eight-game absence with a left mid-foot sprain. The rookie No. 1 overall pick could see more usage in Friday's matchup in Boston if he responds well after Thursday's tilt, but it's also possible he'll be rested for the second night of a back-to-back set after a lengthy absence. Flagg was on fire in his last six appearances before going down, averaging 32.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.2 blocks in 35.7 minutes per game while shooting 52.6 percent from the floor.

Flagg (foot) is expected to play in Thursday's game in Orlando, NBA reporter Marc Stein reports.

The stage is set for the rookie No. 1 overall pick to end an eight-game absence due to a left mid-foot sprain. In all likelihood, Flagg will replace Brandon Williams (quadriceps) in the starting lineup Thursday. Flagg was on a heater in his last six appearances before getting injured, averaging 32.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.2 blocks in 35.7 minutes per tilt while shooting 52.6 percent from the field.

The Kings signed Hayes to a second 10-day contract Thursday, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports.

His first deal expired Thursday, but Sacramento wants to get another look at the 2020 first-round pick for at least their next handful of games. Hayes will be vying with second-year player Devin Carter for backup minutes at point guard, with the former averaging 2.2 points, 3.4 assists and 1.4 rebounds in 13.0 minutes per tilt through five games with the Kings.

Robinson (ankle) is off the injury report for Friday's game against Denver.

Robinson sat out Wednesday's win over the Thunder, the second leg of a back-to-back set, but he's ready to return to action Friday. The 27-year-old center has averaged 5.8 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 17.2 minutes per tilt in his last eight games, shooting a robust 73.9 percent from the floor.