NBA Player News

Rotowire: May 18, 1:34p ET

News: Bogdanovic is scheduled to undergo season-ending surgery on his right wrist in the near future Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.

Impact: Bogdanovic wasn't known to have been dealing with any injury prior to the NBA suspending its season in mid-March, but the forward has apparently been dealing with pain and discomfort in his right wrist since January, and it's only worsened in the months that have passed. The implication, of course, is that Bogdanovic wouldn't be available for the Jazz if the 2019-20 season resumes later this year in some form, though Utah expects him to be ready for the start of the 2020-21 campaign. In his first season with the Jazz, Bogdanovic appeared in 63 of the team's 64 games, averaging a career-best 20.2 points to go with 4.1 rebounds, 3.0 treys and 2.1 assists.

Blake Griffin DET - PF

Rotowire: May 12, 10:45a ET

News: Griffin said Monday in an interview with Sage Steele for ESPN's "The Encore" web show that he's made a full recovery from the arthroscopic left knee surgery he underwent Jan. 7. "I feel great," Griffin said. "I've basically been cleared for a while now, I just have been stuck in my house. So, I'm ready to go whenever things pick back up. I'm just working out and trying to stay ready and stay sane."

Impact: The 31-year-old was assumed to be out for the season when he had the procedure to address the nagging knee injury, but the NBA's two-month-long hiatus has given Griffin time to heal up and has provided him with a chance to play again if the 2019-20 campaign resumes at some point this summer. Due to the 20-46 Pistons' status as a non-contender, Griffin could still be held out for precautionary reasons when play resumes, but a decision on his status likely won't be determined until the coaching staff has a chance to evaluate him in full practices. Even if Griffin is given the green light to play, he would likely be on some sort of playing-time restriction.

Ben Simmons PHI - PG

Rotowire: Apr 21, 10:36a ET

News: Simmons (back) is back to full health and will be available to play if or when the 2019-20 NBA season resumes, a team source told Jackie MacMullan of ESPN.com. "He's feeling strong," a member of Simmons' camp relayed to MacMullan. "The original restrictions were very limiting, but all of them have been removed. He would probably need another scan, so the doctors could officially clear him, but there's been no setbacks. He's dying to get out there."

Impact: Before the NBA suspended its season March 12, Simmons had missed the 76ers' last eight games with a lower-back nerve impingement. The 76ers hadn't been planning to even re-evaluate Simmons until early April, so the point guard was seemingly at risk of missing the start of the playoffs, had they begun last week as originally scheduled. The ongoing league-wide shutdown has had the benefit of providing Simmons with ample recovery time from the injury without missing any additional games, and the 23-year-old now looks like he'll be ready to reclaim his normal role whenever the NBA gives teams the green light to resume training. Simmons' impending return is likely most damaging to the fantasy value of Shake Milton, who had started each of the Sixers' past eight games in place of the All-Star and averaged 17.9 points (on 57.6 percent shooting from the field), 4.4 assists, 3.0 three-pointers, 2.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 31.0 minutes.

Rudy Gobert UTA - C

Rotowire: Mar 27, 12:15p ET

News: Gobert, teammate Donovan Mitchell, and all Jazz players and personnel were fully cleared of coronavirus by the Utah Department of Health on Friday, Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated reports.

Impact: Gobert was the first NBA player to test positive for the respiratory virus March 11, with the news prompting the league to immediately suspend operations indefinitely. The status of the league itself has yet to change, but the 27-year-old is now fully recovered and poses no risk of infection to other individuals.

Marcus Smart BOS - SG

Rotowire: Mar 19, 7:58p ET

News: Smart revealed Thursday that he has tested positive for COVID-19.

Impact: Smart revealed that he was tested five days ago and has been self-quarantining. In his post about the news, Smart elaborates that he hasn't been showing symptoms and encourages everyone to practice social distancing to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Kevin Durant BKN - SF

Rotowire: Mar 17, 5:37p ET

News: Durant has tested positive for coronavirus, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.

Impact: The 31-year-old is apparently one of the four Nets players to have tested positive but is currently asymptomatic. Durant issued the following statement: "Everyone be careful, take care of yourself and quarantine. We're going to get through this." The two-time Finals MVP hasn't played this season while recovering from the torn Achilles he suffered during the NBA Finals last June, but he did travel with the team for a road matchup against the Lakers on March 10.

Donovan Mitchell UTA - SG

Rotowire: Mar 12, 10:53a ET

News: Mitchell tested positive for the coronavirus after being evaluated following the postponement of the Jazz's game Wednesday versus the Thunder, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.

Impact: The All-Star guard is the second known NBA player to test positive for the virus, joining teammate Rudy Gobert. Shortly after the news of Gobert's positive test broke Wednesday, the league elected to suspend operations indefinitely.

Zion Williamson NOP - PF

Rotowire: Mar 11, 10:53p ET

News: Williamson's game with the Pelicans at Sacramento on Wednesday has been postponed, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.

Impact: The game won't be played as a cautionary measure after the NBA announced earlier in the evening the season will be suspended after a player tested positive for coronavirus. The game was originally expected to go on as previously scheduled, but one of the scheduled referees officiated a game with an infected player earlier this week.

De'Aaron Fox SAC - PG

Rotowire: Mar 11, 10:44p ET

News: Fox's game Wednesday between Sacramento and New Orleans has been postponed, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.

Impact: The NBA announced earlier in the evening the season would be suspended after a player tested positive for coronavirus, though the game in Sacramento was originally expected to be played as previously scheduled. Instead, the game won't be played since one of the scheduled officials reffed a game with the infected player earlier this week.

LeBron James LAL - PG

Rotowire: Mar 11, 9:49p ET

News: James (groin) and his teammates learned Wednesday that the 2019-20 season has been suspended by the NBA indefinitely after a player from another team tested positive for COVID-19.

Impact: In a statement the NBA said the league "is suspending game play following the conclusion of tonight's schedule of games until further notice. The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic."

Rudy Gobert UTA - C

Rotowire: Mar 11, 9:37p ET

News: Gobert tested positive for coronavirus Wednesday, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.

Impact: The reasoning behind the postponement for Wednesday's game at Oklahoma City is now perfectly clear, as the teams were pulled off the court shortly before opening tip. Gobert has no official timeline for his return, but a multiweek quarantine period is recommended. The NBA has suspended the season until further notice as a result, per Charania.

Chris Paul OKC - PG

Rotowire: Mar 11, 8:50p ET

News: The Thunder's Wednesday game versus the Jazz has been postponed, Marc J. Spears of ESPN.com reports.

Impact: The league has yet to provide an official statement, but the postponement is likely related to the ongoing coronavirus concerns. Both teams had taken the court in advance of opening tip but then returned to their locker rooms. The Thunder are next scheduled to face the Timberwolves on Friday.

Donovan Mitchell UTA - SG

Rotowire: Mar 11, 8:46p ET

News: Mitchell's game between Utah and Oklahoma City on Wednesday has been postponed, Marc J. Spears of ESPN.com reports.

Impact: The NBA has yet to provide an official statement on the postponement, but it's likely connected to the ongoing concerns regarding coronavirus. Both teams were on the court just prior to opening tip before returning to their respective locker rooms. The Jazz are next scheduled to play versus the Pelicans on Friday.

Rudy Gobert UTA - C

Rotowire: Mar 11, 8:02p ET

News: Gobert (illness) was ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Thunder, Andy Larsen of KSL.com reports.

Impact: The Jazz changed Gobert from questionable to out and back to questionable in the hours leading up to the contest, but they eventually ruled him out shortly before tipoff. Tony Bradley will enter the starting five, and Ed Davis could also see increased run Wednesday.

Rudy Gobert UTA - C

Rotowire: Mar 11, 7:11p ET

News: Gobert (illness) is considered questionable to play in Wednesday's matchup against the Thunder, Andy Larsen of KSL.com reports.

Impact: Due to a misunderstanding, Gobert was initially listed as out for Wednesday's contest. Instead, he'll enter warmups as a questionable listing and could play. Look for further information regarding the star center's availability to come out prior to tipoff.

Stephen Curry GSW - PG

Rotowire: Mar 11, 5:56p ET

News: Curry (illness) isn't listed on the injury report for Thursday's game against the Nets.

Impact: The 31-year-old missed the last two games with the illness but will retake the court as expected Thursday. Curry had 23 points (6-16 FG, 3-12 3Pt, 8-8 FT), seven rebounds and seven assists in 27 minutes during his return from a fractured left hand last week, and he could see a similar workload versus Brooklyn.

Giannis Antetokounmpo MIL - PF

Rotowire: Mar 11, 5:46p ET

News: Antetokounmpo (knee) is questionable for Thursday's contest against the Celtics.

Impact: Antetokounmpo was able to practice Wednesday, which was a highly encouraging sign following the diagnosis of a sprained left knee. That said, if the MVP favorite is out for a second straight contest, Eric Bledsoe and Khris Middleton would take on the bulk of the playmaking responsibilities, while Ersan Ilyasova and Marvin Williams could be in line for extra minutes.

Jimmy Butler MIA - SF

Rotowire: Mar 11, 5:33p ET

News: Butler (toe) is out for Wednesday's contest against the Hornets.

Impact: Butler suffered a toe injury Sunday and failed to practice Tuesday, so it's not especially surprising that he's unavailable for Wednesday's game, which projects as winnable even without him. In his absence, Goran Dragic and Kendrick Nunn may take on extra playmaking responsibilities, while Andre Iguodala, Jae Crowder and Derrick Jones could see more minutes on the wing.

Joel Embiid PHI - C

Rotowire: Mar 11, 5:25p ET

News: Embiid (shoulder) is available for Wednesday's against the Pistons, Justin Grasso of SI.com reports.

Impact: The 25-year-old missed the last five games with the left shoulder sprain, but he's good to return to game action versus Detroit. Embiid figures to rejoin the starting lineup, though it's unclear if he'll face any sort of minutes restriction.

Anthony Davis LAL - PF

Rotowire: Mar 11, 5:03p ET

News: Davis (elbow) is probable for Thursday's contest against the Rockets, Mark Medina of USA Today reports.

Impact: Davis continues to deal with elbow soreness, but he should be able to play Thursday. Across the past four games, he's averaging 30.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks in 34.8 minutes.

LeBron James LAL - PG

Rotowire: Mar 11, 5:01p ET

News: James (groin) is probable for Thursday's game against the Rockets, Mark Medina of USA Today reports.

Impact: James dealt with the same injury heading into Monday's 104-102 loss to the Nets, but he still suited up and played 35 minutes, providing quality stats in the process (29 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists and one steal). Across the past five games, he's averaging 30.0 points, 10.6 assists, 9.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 35.2 minutes.

Giannis Antetokounmpo MIL - PF

Rotowire: Mar 11, 3:39p ET

News: Antetokounmpo (knee) went through a full-contact practice Wednesday, Matt Velazquez of the Journal Sentinel reports.

Impact: This is obviously extremely encouraging news for the reigning MVP, who underwent an MRI following Friday's loss to the Lakers. Antetokounmpo subsequently missed Milwaukee's last two games, but he's avoided any structural damage and figures to return to action within the next game or two. The Bucks are still considering him questionable for Thursday's game against the Celtics.

Ben Simmons PHI - PG

Rotowire: Mar 11, 1:40p ET

News: Simmons (back) will be re-evaluated in three weeks as he rehabs a lower-back nerve impingement, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.

Impact: This is not exactly the most encouraging news, as Simmons has already missed eight of the last nine games and will now be sidelined through at least the end of the month. For fantasy purposes, this essentially ends his season, though the hope is that Simmons can return in time for the NBA postseason, which begins in mid-April.

Luka Doncic DAL - PG

Rotowire: Mar 10, 6:48p ET

News: Doncic (wrist) is available for Tuesday's matchup against the Spurs.

Impact: Doncic is dealing with a sprained shooting wrist, but he'll give it a go Tuesday. Over the past four games, he's averaging 27.5 points on 21.5 shots, plus 9.0 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.5 steals in 36.3 minutes.

Stephen Curry GSW - PG

Rotowire: Mar 10, 5:35p ET

News: Curry (illness) was ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Clippers.

Impact: Curry was considered questionable and took part in a shootaround Tuesday morning, but he'll miss his second straight contest due to the illness. Jordan Poole and Mychal Mulder figure to see increased run versus the Clippers in his absence.

Dejounte Murray SAS - PG

Rotowire: Mar 09, 5:59p ET

News: Murray has been diagnosed with a calf strain and is without a return timetable, Evan Closky of KENS 5 in San Antonio reports.

Impact: Murray apparently picked up the injury at some point during Sunday's loss to the Cavs, though he didn't appear bothered, as he finished with 17 points, seven rebounds, six assists and six steals in 31 minutes. The Spurs are notoriously withholding when it comes to injuries, so it's unclear how much time Murray could miss. This week, the Spurs play Tuesday, Friday and Saturday before finishing out a four-game homestand March 16 against Memphis.

Jimmy Butler MIA - SF

Rotowire: Mar 08, 9:48p ET

News: Butler left Sunday's game against the Wizards with a left toe injury and did not return, Fred Katz of The Athletic reports.

Impact: The injury limited Butler to 24 minutes before he departed for good in the fourth quarter. Butler finished with just nine points (2-4 FG, 5-6 FT) and one steal. Consider him day-to-day until the Heat, who play next on Wednesday against Charlotte, say otherwise. Per Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Butler had the toe wrapped and taped in the locker room after the game.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander OKC - SG

Rotowire: Mar 08, 5:01p ET

News: The Thunder ruled Gilgeous-Alexander (hip) out ahead of Sunday's game against the Celtics, Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman reports.

Impact: Gilgeous-Alexander's status took a turn for the worse quickly. After not being included on any of the first four injury reports the Thunder released prior to Sunday's game, Gilgeous-Alexander was deemed questionable with the right hip contusion around 3:30 p.m. ET, then ruled out less than a half hour later. With the 21-year-old now set to miss his first game of the season, Dennis Schroder could be in store for an elevated usage alongside starting point guard Chris Paul.

Giannis Antetokounmpo MIL - PF

Rotowire: Mar 08, 3:57p ET

News: The Bucks announced that Antetokounmpo will miss the final two games of their road trip -- Sunday in Phoenix and Monday in Denver -- due to a minor joint capsule sprain in his left knee.

Impact: Initially listed as doubtful ahead of Sunday's contest, Antetokounmpo has now been confirmed as out after an MRI revealed the nature of his knee injury. Given its massive lead atop the Eastern Conference standings, the team can afford to take a cautious approach with the superstar, whose status will be updated once the Bucks return to Milwaukee. As Antetokounmpo turns his focus to potentially returning to action Thursday versus the Celtics, Marvin Williams and Ersan Ilyasova should absorb most of the minutes at power forward, while starting players like Khris Middleton, Eric Bledsoe and Brook Lopez should all see upticks in offensive usage for at least the final two games of the road trip.

Kristaps Porzingis DAL - PF

Rotowire: Mar 08, 1:50p ET

News: The Mavericks list Porzingis as questionable for Sunday's game against the Pacers with a sprained right ankle.

Impact: Porzingis may have tweaked his ankle at some point during the 121-96 win over the Grizzlies on Friday, when the big man continued his dominant run of performances by posting 26 points (9-19 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 4-5 FT), 11 rebounds, four assists, four blocks and three steals in just 29 minutes. The Mavericks will presumably check back in on Porzingis' condition closer to the 7 p.m. ET tipoff, but if he ultimately gets the green light to play, he likely wouldn't be subjected to a minute restriction.

Zach LaVine CHI - SG

Rotowire: Mar 08, 1:36p ET

News: Coach Jim Boylen said that LaVine (quadriceps) won't play in Sunday's game against the Nets, K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Impact: After missing three straight games with a left quad strain, LaVine was able to go through portions of Saturday's practice, prompting the Bulls to upgrade him to questionable for Sunday. The Bulls apparently want to see the star guard go through a full workout before clearing him to play however, so LaVine looks like he'll have to wait until at least Tuesday's game against the Cavaliers before returning to action. LaVine's continued absence should open up another start on the wing for Denzel Valentine.

Anthony Davis LAL - PF

Rotowire: Mar 07, 8:41p ET

News: Davis is probable for Sunday's game against the Clippers due to a sore left elbow.

Impact: Davis emerged from Friday's win over the Bucks with elbow soreness, but it doesn't seem to be anything that will prevent him from playing in Sunday's potential Western Conference Finals preview. Across his past five appearances, Davis is averaging 25.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.8 blocks, 2.0 assists and 1.4 steals in 30.8 minutes.

Giannis Antetokounmpo MIL - PF

Rotowire: Mar 07, 8:36p ET

News: Antetokounmpo (knee) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Suns, Matt Velazquez of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Impact: While we are still waiting for the results of Antetokounmpo's MRI, the team will opt to play it safe. Assuming the MVP favorite is indeed sidelined Sunday, Khris Middleton and Eric Bledsoe would see significant boosts to their usage, while Ersan Ilyasova and Marvin Williams could see extra time on the court.

Trae Young ATL - PG

Rotowire: Mar 07, 6:40p ET

News: Coach Lloyd Pierce said Young (illness) will start Saturday's game at Memphis, Sarah K. Spencer of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Impact: Young missed Friday's game against the Wizards due to flu-like symptoms, but he'll return to action Saturday without any minutes restriction. The 21-year-old is averaging 26.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 10.4 assists in 34 minutes over his last five games.

Deandre Ayton PHX - C

Rotowire: Mar 07, 6:15p ET

News: Ayton (ankle) is listed as out for Sunday's game against the Bucks, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports.

Impact: Ayton missed Friday's game against the Blazers with a left ankle issue and will miss at least one more game. His expected return date is not yet clear, though he was at least able to participate in the non-contact portion of Thursday's practice. Aron Baynes started in his absence Friday and will likely do so again Sunday.

Malcolm Brogdon IND - PG

Rotowire: Mar 07, 5:31p ET

News: Brogdon was diagnosed with a torn left quadriceps Saturday and is listed as week-to-week.

Impact: Brogdon missed Friday's game against the Bulls with what was originally called a sore left hip. An MRI later revealed a tear in his left rectus femoris, a thigh muscle, so he's now set to miss several more games. Aaron Holiday started in the backcourt next to Victor Oladipo in his absence Friday and will presumably see an increased role until he returns.

Stephen Curry GSW - PG

Rotowire: Mar 07, 1:37p ET

News: Curry will be held out of Saturday's game against Philadelphia due to an illness.

Impact: Curry appears to have picked up an absence in the wake of Thursday's game against Toronto. As the issue likely isn't too severe, there's a good chance the star guard will make a return Tuesday against the Clippers.

Trae Young ATL - PG

Rotowire: Mar 07, 1:36p ET

News: Young (illness) is questionable for Saturday's contest against the Grizzlies.

Impact: Young sat out Friday's loss to the Wizards, and he seems to still be feeling under the weather. More information on his condition may arrive closer to tipoff. If he's sidelined once more, Jeff Teague would presumably draw another start.

Giannis Antetokounmpo MIL - PF

Rotowire: Mar 07, 1:34p ET

News: Antetokounmpo will undergo a precautionary MRI on his left knee, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.

Impact: Antetokounmpo landed awkwardly during the second half of Friday's loss to the Lakers and was in visible pain before eventually getting up off the court and continuing to play. While it was a good sign that Antetokounmpo was able to continue playing for the remainder of the contest and seemed to be unaffected by the incident, the organization will still err on the side of caution with an MRI. The Bucks' next game is Sunday against the Suns, and the likely MVP should be tentatively be considered questionable for the contest.

Deandre Ayton PHX - C

Rotowire: Mar 06, 7:21p ET

News: Ayton (ankle) is out Friday against the Trail Blazers, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports.

Impact: As expected, Ayton will sit out as he heals from a left ankle injury. In his place, Aron Baynes and Cheick Diallo should see expanded roles.

Karl-Anthony Towns MIN - C

Rotowire: Mar 06, 6:02p ET

News: Towns (wrist) will be re-evaluated in two weeks, Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic reports.

Impact: The Wolves' medical staff is not having Towns pursue surgery, so it seems like the hope is that he can return before the season ends. We should learn more in a couple of weeks when he's re-evaluated, though it's possible there will be updates before then.

Trae Young ATL - PG

Rotowire: Mar 06, 5:36p ET

News: Young (illness) won't play Friday against the Wizards, Candace Buckner of The Washington Post reports.

Impact: Due to an illness, Young will miss his first contest since Feb. 7. While Young is on the sideline, Jeff Teague and Brandon Goodwin could be in line to see expanded roles.

Luka Doncic DAL - PG

Rotowire: Mar 06, 5:27p ET

News: Doncic (illness) will play Friday against the Grizzlies, Mike Peasley of the Dallas Mavericks Radio Network reports.

Impact: Doncic was previously questionable due to an illness, but he's feeling healthy enough to take the court. Across his past seven appearances, he's averaging 26.9 points, 9.6 rebounds and 9.4 assists in 34.9 minutes.

Trae Young ATL - PG

Rotowire: Mar 06, 5:15p ET

News: Young (illness) has been downgraded to doubtful for Friday's game against the Wizards, Sarah K. Spencer of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Impact: It appears Young will miss his first game since Feb. 7 as a result of an illness. In his presumed absence, Jeff Teague and Brandon Goodwin would be in line for extra minutes.

Jusuf Nurkic POR - C

Rotowire: Mar 06, 3:15p ET

News: Nurkic (lower leg) will make his season debut March 15 against the Rockets, Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reports. "I'm ready to help my team make the playoffs," Nurkic said. "It's time."

Impact: Nurkic has been on the shelf for nearly a year following a severe lower leg injury. He returned to practice in late January and has been steadily progressing since then. Last season, Nurkic was a huge part of Portland's success, as he averaged career highs in points (15.6), rebounds (10.4) and field-goal percentage (50.8), not to mention 3.2 dimes, 1.4 blocks and 1.0 steal. He'll presumably see limited minutes for his first few games while he gets back into the flow of real game action. Presumably, Nurkic will come off the bench behind Hassan Whiteside, who is having a bounceback 2019-20 campaign.

Joel Embiid PHI - C

Rotowire: Mar 06, 2:24p ET

News: Embiid (shoulder) has resumed on-court basketball activities, but he won't play Saturday against the Warriors and is set to be re-evaluated Monday, Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Impact: Embiid will miss his fifth straight contest Saturday as the 76ers' medical staff continues to monitor his sprained left shoulder. His next opportunity to take the court arrives Wednesday against the Pistons.

Russell Westbrook HOU - PG

Rotowire: Mar 06, 12:53p ET

News: Westbrook won't play the front end of the back-to-back set Saturday against the Hornets but will suit up Sunday versus the Magic, Cayleigh Griffin of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports.

Impact: Westbrook hasn't played in both parts of back-to-back sets all season, and this time around he won't play in the first game. Austin Rivers and Ben McLemore figure to see increased run Saturday with Eric Gordon (knee) also sidelined.

Trae Young ATL - PG

Rotowire: Mar 06, 12:04p ET

News: Young is questionable for Friday's game against the Wizards due to flu-like symptoms, Sarah K. Spencer of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Impact: The 21-year-old wasn't listed on the initial injury report, but his status for Friday's matchup is now in question. Given the back-to-back set Friday and Saturday, Young could end up somewhat limited, assuming he's even able to play.

Deandre Ayton PHX - C

Rotowire: Mar 05, 5:49p ET

News: Ayton (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Friday's game against the Trail Blazers.

Impact: Ayton was able to go through non-contact portions of Thursday's practice, but that's probably not enough progress for him to take the court as soon as Friday. In his presumed absence, Aron Baynes and Cheick Diallo should see extra minutes.

Luka Doncic DAL - PG

Rotowire: Mar 05, 5:41p ET

News: Doncic (illness) is questionable for Friday's game against the Grizzlies.

Impact: An illness prevented Doncic from practicing Thursday and, as a result, he's considered questionable for Friday's matchup. If he ends up not seeing the court, J.J. Barea (ankle) and Delon Wright could see expanded roles.

Luka Doncic DAL - PG

Rotowire: Mar 05, 2:23p ET

News: Doncic (thumb) did not practice Thursday due to an illness, Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Impact: Doncic underwent X-rays on his left thumb following Wednesday's overtime win over the Pelicans -- during which he tallied 30 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists in 41 minutes -- though everything came back clean and it's actually an illness that kept him from taking the court for Thursday's practice. He should be tentatively considered questionable for Friday's game against Memphis, with an update regarding his status likely coming after the team's morning shootaround.

Luka Doncic DAL - PG

Rotowire: Mar 05, 12:56a ET

News: Doncic put up 30 points (9-20 FG, 4-11 3Pt, 8-13 FT), 17 rebounds, 10 assists, one steal and one block in 41 minutes during Wednesday's overtime win over the Pelicans, but he underwent X-rays -- which came back negative -- on his left thumb after the game, Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Impact: The left thumb sprain he sustained last week is apparently still bothersome, though the injury is confirmed to still be a sprain after the X-rays. Doncic did have seven turnovers Wednesday, but he otherwise looked himself against New Orleans as he delivered his 14th triple-double of the season and fell one rebound short of tying his season high. It appears the 21-year-old won't be fully clear of the thumb injury in the near future, though at this point there's been no indication that he's expected to miss additional time.

Damian Lillard POR - PG

Rotowire: Mar 04, 8:23p ET

News: Lillard (groin) will return to the lineup Wednesday against the Wizards and won't have a minutes restriction, Jamie Goldberg of The Oregonian reports.

Impact: The 29-year-old has been sidelined since Feb. 12 due to the right groin injury, but he'll make his return Wednesday after a six-game absence. Lillard is averaging 29.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 7.9 assists and 1.0 steal through 54 games this season, and he'll have a prime opportunity to pick up where he left off against a porous Wizards defense.

Stephen Curry GSW - PG

Rotowire: Mar 04, 7:19p ET

News: Curry (hand) will play Thursday against Raptors, Anthony Slater of The Athletic reports.

Impact: After having his original return date pushed back, Curry has been cleared to to rejoin the lineup Thursday following a lengthy absence due to a fractured left hand. Curry appeared in just four games prior to getting injured, posting averages of 20.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 1.3 steals in 28.0 minutes during those contests.

Jaylen Brown BOS - SF

Rotowire: Mar 04, 5:39p ET

News: Brown is expected to miss at least one week with a Grade 1 hamstring strain, Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe reports.

Impact: Brown, who injured his right hamstring during Tuesday's loss to the Nets, will be held out for the next week before being re-evaluated. Given the timeline, Brown will miss at least four games, beginning with Wednesday's matchup in Cleveland. In the meantime, Marcus Smart figures to join the starting lineup in place of Brown.

Jayson Tatum BOS - PF

Rotowire: Mar 04, 5:38p ET

News: Tatum (illness) has officially been cleared to play Wednesday against the Cavs, Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald reports.

Impact: An illness kept Tatum out of Tuesday night's loss, but he made the trip to Cleveland and will be in the starting lineup Wednesday night. The Celtics will be without Jaylen Brown (hamstring), Kemba Walker (knee) and Gordon Hayward (knee), however.

Deandre Ayton PHX - C

Rotowire: Mar 04, 2:59p ET

News: Ayton underwent an MRI on Wednesday after suffering a left ankle injury late in Tuesday's 123-114 loss to the Raptors, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports. He finished the contest with 13 points (5-14 FG, 3-4 FT), 14 rebounds, three blocks, one steal and one assist across 39 minutes.

Impact: Ayton appeared to be in significant pain late in the fourth quarter, when Toronto's OG Anunoby fell on his leg. According to Gina Mizell of The Athletic, Ayton was sporting crutches in the Suns' locker room after the game, though coach Monty Williams said Wednesday the center will now be confined to a walking boot. The Suns likely won't put a firm timeline on Ayton's return until the MRI results are available, but he seems unlikely to be available for the team's next game Friday versus the Trail Blazers.

Lauri Markkanen CHI - PF

Rotowire: Mar 04, 12:55p ET

News: Markkanen (pelvis) will will return to the starting lineup Wednesday against Minnesota.

Impact: Markkanen hasn't played since Jan. 22, but he'll make his return to the starting lineup Wednesday after ramping up his activity level in recent days. Markkanen practiced with the Bulls' G League affiliate earlier in the week, and he was able to go through a full practice with the Bulls on Tuesday. Considering the long layoff, Markkanen will face a minutes limit of 18 to 20 minutes Wednesday night.

Zion Williamson NOP - PF

Rotowire: Mar 03, 6:31p ET

News: Williamson has been cleared to play in both games of back-to-back sets going forward, Andrew Lopez of ESPN.com reports.

Impact: The Pelicans haven't had any back-to-backs since Williamson returned, but there is one upcoming, as New Orleans plays Tuesday against the Timberwolves and Wednesday against the Mavericks. According to Lopez, the medical team "will monitor what he can and cannot do minutes-wise." So it's possible Williamson will be given a reduced workload Wednesday to play it safe.

Zach LaVine CHI - SG

Rotowire: Mar 03, 2:25p ET

News: LaVine (quad) said Tuesday that he expects to miss roughly a week with a sore left quad, KC Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Impact: LaVine already missed Monday's game against the Mavs, and he appears poised to miss at least three more games as the Bulls exercise caution with their leading scorer. Assuming LaVine's self-proclaimed timetable holds up, he could make his return to action next Tuesday (Mar. 10) at home against Cleveland. Denzel Valentine started in LaVine's place Monday night.

Derrick Rose DET - PG

Rotowire: Mar 03, 12:03p ET

News: An MRI on Rose's ankle returned negative, and the Pistons will re-evaluate him "in a few weeks," Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reports.

Impact: Rose landed awkwardly on his right ankle during Sunday's loss to Sacramento, and the 31-year-old is now set to miss extended time as the Pistons run out the clock on what's been a frustrating season. Rose figures to miss at least the next two-to-three weeks, at which point Detroit will have to assess whether it's worth bringing him back for the stretch run.

Jayson Tatum BOS - PF

Rotowire: Mar 03, 11:52a ET

News: Tatum (illness) is not expected to play in Tuesday's game against the Nets, Tim Bontemps of ESPN reports.

Impact: Tatum missed practice Monday due to an illness, and his condition hasn't improved, so while the Celtics haven't officially ruled him out, the expectation is that he'll be unavailable. With Boston playing on the front end of a back-to-back, Tatum should be considered very much questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Cavs in Cleveland.

Anthony Davis LAL - PF

Rotowire: Mar 02, 9:42p ET

News: Davis (knee) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's tilt against the 76ers, Mike Bresnahan of Spectrum SportsNet reports.

Impact: Davis was unable to go against his former team, the Pelicans, on Sunday, and he's now in danger of missing his second consecutive contest. More clarity on his status should come following Tuesday's shootaround. Some combination of Kyle Kuzma, Dwight Howard, JaVale McGee and Markieff Morris would account for the All-Star big man's minutes if he's ultimately unable to go.

LaMarcus Aldridge SAS - C

Rotowire: Mar 02, 6:57p ET

News: Aldridge (shoulder) is expected to remain out for Tuesday's game in Charlotte, Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News reports.

Impact: The big man will miss a third straight game Monday night against Indiana, and coach Gregg Popovich all but ruled him out for Tuesday's game on the second half of a back-to-back. McDonald notes that Aldridge could be back in the lineup for Friday's game in Brooklyn "if all goes well."

Zach LaVine CHI - SG

Rotowire: Mar 02, 6:20p ET

News: LaVine (quad) will not play Monday against the Mavericks, Chuck Swirsky of the Bulls Radio Network reports.

Impact: As expected, LaVine will sit out Monday due to a quadriceps injury. He's considered day-to-day, per Swirsky, with Denzel Valentine starting in his place vs. Dallas.

Damian Lillard POR - PG

Rotowire: Mar 02, 3:33p ET

News: Lillard (groin), who has already been ruled out Monday against Orlando, is targeting a return Wednesday against the Wizards, Shams Charania told Stadium.

Impact: Lillard hasn't played since Feb. 12 due to a groin injury -- a span of six games -- but it sounds like he's planning to return Wednesday against Washington, assuming he's given the green light by Portland's medical staff. If he does take the court, it's possible Lillard could face a minutes restriction as the Trail Blazers look to ease him back into action. Prior to getting hurt, the point guard was in the midst of an enormous year, averaging 29.5 points, 7.9 assists, 4.4 rebounds and one steal in 37.0 minutes per game.

Luka Doncic DAL - PG

Rotowire: Mar 02, 11:25a ET

News: Doncic (thumb) is listed as probable for Monday's game against Chicago, Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com reports.

Impact: Doncic appears to be trending in the right direction in his recovery from a thumb injury that sidelined him Sunday against Minnesota. Look for an official update from the team to come out prior to tipoff finalizing his status.

Anthony Davis LAL - PF

Rotowire: Mar 01, 7:00p ET

News: Davis (knee) has been ruled out of Sunday's game against New Orleans, Brett Dawson of The Athletic reports.

Impact: Davis was questionable coming in, but he'll sit out on the second night of a back-to-back after experiencing tightness in his right knee during Saturday's loss to Memphis. Expect Markieff Morris, Kyle Kuzma, Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee to help compensate for the loss of the Defensive Player of the Year frontrunner.

Fred VanVleet TOR - PG

Rotowire: Mar 01, 4:36p ET

News: VanVleet (shoulder) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Nuggets, Blake Murphy of The Athletic reports.

Impact: VanVleet had been upgraded to questionable for Sunday's contest, but his sore left shoulder is apparently still presenting too much pain for him to give him it a go. With VanVleet set to miss a second straight game, Norman Powell will likely be in store for another start at shooting guard.

De'Aaron Fox SAC - PG

Rotowire: Mar 01, 4:26p ET

News: Kings coach Luke Walton said that Fox (abdomen) will be a game-time decision for Sunday's tilt with the Pistons, James Ham of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Impact: Walton acknowledged that both Fox and fellow point guard Cory Joseph (heel) are game-time calls, though the coach admitted the former is more likely to play than the latter. If neither Fox nor Joseph is available, Yogi Ferrell and two-way player Kyle Guy would likely handle most of the minutes at point guard. Fox previously missed Thursday's loss to the Thunder with the same injury but returned to action for Friday's win over the Grizzlies and looked good during his time on the court, finishing with 25 points (10-19 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 2-3 FT), five assists, four boards and two steals in 33 minutes.

Luka Doncic DAL - PG

Rotowire: Mar 01, 2:15p ET

News: Doncic (thumb) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Timberwolves.

Impact: Deemed questionable heading into the day, Doncic will be sidelined for his 13th game of the season after spraining his left thumb in Friday's loss to the Heat. Though Doncic wasn't forced to exit early because of the injury, coach Rick Carlisle said the thumb issue was "awkward" for the superstar guard, so the Mavs will err on the side of caution and give the 21-year-old the day off, per Mark Followill of Fox Sports Southwest. Doncic could be ready to play in the second half of the back-to-back set Monday in Chicago.

Khris Middleton MIL - SF

Rotowire: Mar 01, 11:48a ET

News: Coach Mike Budenholzer said that Middleton (neck) will remain out for Sunday's game against the Hornets, Matt Velazquez of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Impact: Though he was initially deemed probable for Sunday after sitting out Friday's blowout win over the Thunder with a sore neck, Middleton will ultimately miss a second straight contest on account of the injury. Budenholzer said he's hopeful Middleton will be good to go for Monday's matchup with Miami, so the Bucks are likely just taking some extra precaution with the All-Star wing while facing an overmatched opponent in the front end of a back-to-back set. Donte DiVincenzo will likely pick up another start in Middleton's stead.

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