NBA Player News

Jokic (hip) is available for Wednesday's game versus the Timberwolves.

Jokic has been upgraded from probable to available despite dealing with left hip inflammation. Denver will be able to roll out their typical starting five against Minnesota in a crucial contest to determine the top seed in the Western Conference.

Collins will start Wednesday's game against the Thunder.

Collins will replace Victor Wembanyama (rest) in the start lineup against Oklahoma City. In 27 starts this season, Collins is averaging 14.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists.

Kessler (nose) is out for Thursday's game versus the Rockets, Sarah Todd of The Deseret News reports.

Kessler will miss his fourth straight contest Thursday due to a nasal fracture. Omer Yurtseven should receive another start in his absence.

Collins (back) won't suit up for Thursday's game against the Rockets, Sarah Todd of The Deseret News reports.

Collins will miss his sixth straight game Thursday due to back spasms, and the Jazz haven't offered much of an indication that he'll be available for the team's final two games of the campaign. With Walker Kessler (nose) also sidelined Thursday, Omer Yurtseven should continue to operate as Utah's starting center.

Williams will start Wedneesday's game against Brooklyn, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Williams will take the place of Kelly Olynyk (rest) for his second start of the campaign. Despite going scoreless across 31 minutes in his first start, Williams is still an intriguing option considering he's a solid contributor on the glass and as a shot-blocker.

Coach Jason Kidd said Wednesday that Lively (knee) is unlikely to play in any of the Mavericks' final three regular-season games, Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The rookie center still isn't practicing and has been sidelined since March 31 due to a right knee sprain. His status for the postseason remains unclear, but Lively will have extra time to rest and rehab if Dallas can win one more game and avoid the Play-In Tournament. He'll finish the regular season with averages of 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, 1.1 assists and 0.7 steals in 23.5 minutes over 55 appearances while shooting 74.7 percent from the field and 50.6 percent from the free-throw line.

Kleber (back) is available for Wednesday's game versus the Heat, Grant Afseth of SI.com reports.

Kleber will suit up for his third straight game Wednesday after being upgraded from probable to available despite dealing with back spasms. Kleber should continue to serve as one of Dallas' primary backups in the frontcourt.

Claxton (ankle) is available for Wednesday's game against the Raptors, Evan Barnes of Newsday reports.

Claxton was probable for Wednesday's matchup, so it isn't very surprising to see him cleared to return following a one-game absence. Over his last five appearances, he's averaged 9.4 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 30.0 minutes per game. Claxton will reclaim his starting spot from Jalen Wilson against Toronto.

Tillman is questionable for Thursday's game against the Knicks due to right knee tendon irritation, Justin Turpin of WEEI.com reports.

Tillman is being listed as questionable for the first game of a back-to-back set, along with Al Horford (toe) and Kristaps Porzingis (hamstring), so the Celtics could be very thin up front Thursday night. If all these guys are out, Luke Kornet and Oshae Brissett could be forced into major minutes. Check back for another update on Tillman following Thursday's shootaround.

Horford (toe) is questionable for Thursday's game against New York, Justin Turpin of WEEI.com reports.

Horford missed Tuesday's game against the Bucks, and it's unclear whether he'll be able to return for the first half of a back-to-back set Thursday. If he's sidelined, Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman (knee) could see additional minutes.