NBA Player News

Missi (illness) is probable for Friday's matchup against Memphis, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.

Missi has missed two consecutive contests due to the non-COVID illness, though he'll likely return to game action Friday. The rookie big man has been a mainstay in the Pelicans' starting five, and over his last 10 outings, he has averaged 8.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.9 blocks and 1.8 assists while shooting 60.8 percent from the field in 28.4 minutes per game.

Williams is in the starting lineup for Thursday's game versus the Magic, Casey Holdahl of the Trail Blazers' official site reports.

Williams will replace Deandre Ayton (knee) in the starting five Thursday. Williams is averaging 5.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 3.0 blocks and 1.0 steals in 16.0 minutes across his previous two starting appearances this season.

Ayton (knee) won't play in Thursday's game versus the Magic, Casey Holdahl of the Trail Blazers' official site reports.

Ayton has been downgraded from questionable to out Tuesday due to left knee soreness. Robert Williams will draw the start at center in his absence. Ayton's next chance to suit up is Friday's matchup with Charlotte.

The Mavericks announced Wednesday that Lively will be re-evaluated in four weeks after being diagnosed with a right ankle stress fracture.

Though Lively is due to be examined by doctors again in approximately one month, fantasy managers shouldn't expect the second-year center to be ready to play right away, even if his re-evaluation yields good news. Shams Charania of ESPN reported earlier Wednesday that Lively's injury is expected to keep him sidelined for around 2-to-3 months in total, making him a drop candidate in most redraft leagues with limited injured reserve spots. Daniel Gafford has started each of the last four games in Lively's stead and has played 30-plus minutes on three occasions while averaging 20.0 points, 11.3 rebounds, 3.3 blocks, 2.3 assists and 0.8 steals.

Bitadze (concussion) won't play in Thursday's game versus the Trail Blazers.

Bitadze will miss his fifth straight contest Thursday after being downgraded from doubtful to out due to still being in the NBA's concussion protocol. While Bitadze has advanced to the non-contact stage of the protocol, his next chance to suit up is Saturday's matchup with Detroit.

Looney (illness) isn't on the injury report for Thursday's game versus the Bulls.

Looney exited Wednesday's contest early due to an illness but is good to go Thursday. With Trayce Jackson-Davis (ankle) questionable, Looney could be in store for increased playing time against Chicago.

Jackson-Davis is listed as questionable for Thursday's game versus the Bulls due to a sprained right ankle.

Jackson-Davis moved to the bench in Golden State's most recent outing and is now in danger of missing Thursday's contest. If Jackson-Davis is ultimately ruled out, Kevon Looney and Quinten Post are candidates to receive increased playing time.

Porzingis (illness) isn't on the injury report for Thursday's game versus the Lakers, Taylor Snow of the Celtics' official site reports.

Porzingis will return to action Thursday after missing Boston's previous contest due to an illness. The 29-year-old big man should reclaim his starting spot from Luke Kornet against Los Angeles.

Horford (toe) has been cleared to play in Thursday's game against the Lakers, Taylor Snow of the Celtics' official site reports.

Horford has missed two of the last three games while dealing with a toe injury but will return to the floor Thursday to face the arch-rival Lakers. The veteran big man has struggled this season for the Celtics, averaging career-low numbers in points (8.4), rebounds (5.3) and assists (2.1).

Adams notched three points (1-2 FG, 1-4 FT), 11 rebounds, two assists and two blocks over 19 minutes during Wednesday's 109-108 win over Cleveland.

Adams has not been as dominant on the glass since returning to the floor in November, but he got the job done in Wednesday's win against the Cavaliers. The veteran big man had a season-high 11 rebounds in 19 minutes off the bench for Houston.