NBA Player News

Williams (knee) is probable for Thursday's game against the Heat.

Williams appears in line for a return after missing Sunday's matchup against the Kings with a left knee injury. Expect confirmation on his availability closer to tipoff.

Post is not in the Warriors' starting lineup against the Mavericks on Thursday, Anthony Slater of ESPN.com reports.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has opted to go with a smaller starting lineup Thursday, with Draymond Green starting at center while Moses Moody and Gui Santos round out the frontcourt. Post has started in each of the Warriors' last 22 games, and over that span he has averaged 9.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 2.0 threes over 19.6 minutes per game. Given his limited minutes as a starter, the second-year center could see a similar amount of playing time despite moving to a reserve role.

Valanciunas will start Thursday versus the Wizards, Katy Winge of Altitude Sports reports.

Valanciunas will replace DaRon Holmes in the first unit for Thursday's game, and he'll be joined by Jamal Murray, Jalen Pickett, Peyton Watson and Aaron Gordon. In Valanciunas' previous start this season, he finished with 17 points (5-6 FG, 7-8 FT), nine rebounds, four assists, one steal, three blocks and one turnover in 23 minutes.

Drummond will come off the bench in Thursday's game versus the Rockets.

Joel Embiid (ankle) is back from a maintenance day, so Drummond will head back to the second unit. As a reserve this season, Drummond owns averages of 5.5 points and 7.1 rebounds per game.

Embiid (ankle) has been cleared to play Thursday against the Rockets.

Embiid will be back in action after sitting out the second half of a back-to-back Tuesday. He's reached the 30-point mark in back-to-back appearances for the Sixers.

Hartenstein (calf) won't play in Friday's game against Indiana, per Clemente Almanza of USA Today.

Hartenstein hasn't suited up since Dec. 28 due to a right soleus strain and remains out indefinitely. With a lack of clarity on his recovery, the 27-year-old big man should be tentatively deemed doubtful to play in Sunday's tilt against Toronto.

Valanciunas (calf) is available for Thursday's game against the Wizards.

Valanciunas is available to play for the first time since Dec. 31 due to a calf strain. The veteran center could have a minutes restriction, but his return should have a negative impact on the minutes of Zeke Nnaji and DaRon Holmes.

Aldama (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game versus the Pelicans.

This will be the second straight game on the sidelines for Aldama, which could result in another start for John Konchar and extended minutes for Vince Williams and GG Jackson. Aldama's next chance to play will come Sunday versus the Nuggets, but with that game being the first of a back-to-back set, Aldama is likely doubtful for that one.

Gafford (ankle) won't play Thursday versus the Warriors.

Gafford will miss his fourth straight game due to a right ankle sprain, with his absence clearing the way for Dwight Powell and Moussa Cisse to absorb all of the minutes at center. Dallas had initially listed Gafford as questionable for Thursday's game before downgrading him to doubtful and then out, so he presumably has a chance at returning to action Saturday versus the Lakers.

Cisse (illness) has been cleared to play Friday night against the Warriors.

Cisse carried a probable tag leading up to Thursday's matchup due to an illness, and he's officially been given the green light to take the court. He's averaging 8.2 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in his last five games, all off the bench.