NBA Player News

Nembhard is probable for Friday's game against the Lakers due to low-back and neck soreness.

Nembhard was able to play through these two issues Wednesday, and the probable designation is a sign that he expects to do so again Friday. The Pacers should have another update on his status closer to game time.

Nesmith is probable for Friday's game against the Lakers due to a right ankle sprain and lower-back sprain.

Nesmith is dealing with a few separate injuries, but all signs point to the Vanderbilt product taking the court Friday evening. Expect official word on his availability closer to tipoff.

Kleber (back) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Nuggets, Trevor Lane of LakersNation.com reports.

Kleber is working through a back injury that will sideline him for Thursday's game, though he could be available for the second leg of the Lakers' back-to-back set against the Pacers on Friday. He's averaging 11.0 minutes off the bench this season, and that playing time will likely be absorbed by Jaxson Hayes and Jarred Vanderbilt.

Williams (quadriceps) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against Phoenix.

Williams appears to be moving in the right direction, as he was upgraded to doubtful before officially being ruled out ahead of Thursday's clash, but he's not yet ready for a return. His next chance to do so will arrive Sunday against the Kings.

The Grizzlies announced Thursday that Morant is still experiencing discomfort in his left elbow and will be reevaluated by medical staff in two weeks.

Morant underwent imaging on his left elbow Wednesday, which revealed "incomplete healing" of the sprained UCL that he sustained in mid-January. The new timeline means that Morant will be out of action until at least mid-March, so Ty Jerome (calf) and Scotty Pippen (toe) should both continue to operate in elevated roles for as long as Morant is sidelined.

Smith (calf) won't play Thursday against the Suns.

Smith was added to the injury report as doubtful ahead of Thursday's matchup, so this update is no real surprise. His next chance to take the court will arrive Sunday in Sacramento.

Buzelis (ankle) is out for Thursday's game against the Suns.

Buzelis will miss his first game of the season after picking up an ankle injury in Chicago's previous matchup Tuesday against Oklahoma City. Jalen Smith (calf) and Patrick Williams (quadriceps) are also out, so it'll be up to Leonard Miller, Lachlan Olbrich and Nick Richards to step up in the frontcourt.

Giddey (ankle) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Suns.

Giddey rolled his ankle during the Bulls' loss to the Thunder on Thursday. The injury will prevent him from suiting up Thursday, and the fifth-year pro's next opportunity to play is Sunday against the Kings. Rob Dillingham and Collin Sexton figure to be the top candidates to enter the Bulls' starting lineup in Giddey's absence.

Santos is starting Thursday's game against the Rockets, Anthony Slater of ESPN.com reports.

Santos will move into the starting lineup with Moses Moody (wrist) out for Thursday's action. Santos is no stranger to the first unit, as he's started 10 of Golden State's last 11 games.

Sheppard is not in the Rockets' starting lineup against the Warriors on Thursday, Varun Shankar of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Sheppard has started in each of the Rockets' last two games and is coming off a dominant double-double performance against the Wizards on Monday, when he also logged six steals. He'll revert to a bench role for Thursday's contest due to the return of Jabari Smith (ankle).