NBA Player News

The Lakers plan to sign Jemison to a two-way contract, NBA reporter Jake Fischer reports.

After waiving Quincy Olivari on Wednesday, Los Angeles has quickly set its sights on his replacement in their two-way spot. Jemison offers the Lakers depth behind Anthony Davis and Jaxson Hayes and played 10.4 minutes per game over 16 appearances with the Pelicans. Still, the 25-year-old big man would appear more likely to receive steady playing time in the G League than at the NBA level.

The Thunder announced Wednesday that Hartenstein sustained a left soleus strain in Tuesday's 118-102 win over the 76ers and will be re-evaluated in one week, Tim Bontemps of ESPN.com reports.

Though Hartenstein will be re-examined in a week, even if he's healed up from the calf injury by then, he could still need a few additional days to regain conditioning before being cleared for game action. When Hartenstein was sidelined earlier in the season with a fractured left hand, the Thunder experimented with Jalen Williams as a small-ball center. Oklahoma City could once again look to give Jalen Williams some exposure at the position, but Jaylin Williams, Kenrich Williams and Branden Carlson may also take on additional minutes at center.

Sims (back) is available for Wednesday's game against the 76ers, Steve Popper of Newsday reports.

After being upgraded to probable, Sims will fight off lower back spasms to suit up for the Knicks on Wednesday. With Karl-Anthony Towns (thumb) out, Sims would appear to be in line for a spot start at center, although New York could elect to deploy Precious Achiuwa in its first unit with superstar big man Joel Embiid (foot) sidelined for Philadelphia.

Nurkic (illness) is out for Thursday's game against the Wizards.

After the Suns acquired Nick Richards in a trade with the Hornets on Wednesday, Nurkic's fantasy stock continues to plummet. Nurkic's next chance to play comes Saturday against Detroit, although it's unclear what kind of role he'll have upon returning. If Richards isn't able to join Phoenix's rotation in time for Thursday, Mason Plumlee should continue starting at center against Washington.

Sims (back) is probable for Wednesday's game against the 76ers.

Sims and Karl-Anthony Towns (thumb) were both listed as questionable initially, but Towns has been downgraded to out, while Sims has been upgraded to probable. Sims drew a spot start in Towns' stead against the Magic on Jan. 6 and posted four points, 10 rebounds, two assists and a block in 29 minutes.

The Suns acquired Richards and a 2025 second-round draft pick from the Hornets on Wednesday in exchange for forward Josh Okogie, a 2026 second-round draft picks and two 2031 second-round draft picks, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

With Mark Williams healthy and playing well, Richards had been relegated to a backup role over the last month for Charlotte, but he'll now likely get an opportunity to start in Phoenix. Jusuf Nurkic (illness) has fallen out of favor, resulting in Mason Plumlee starting nine straight games. Richards had played at least 24 minutes 10 times this season, averaging 12.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.9 blocks in 28.1 minutes per game while shooting 62.9 percent from the field and 71.4 percent from the free-throw line during those contests. Richards' first chance to make his Suns debut will come in Washington on Thursday.

Bagley (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday's matchup with Phoenix.

Bagley will now miss 12 straight games due to his knee injury, and it is unknown when he would make his potential return this season. In the 19 games Bagley did play in, he averaged 4.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, 0.4 assists, 0.4 steals and 0.3 blocks over 8.9 minutes.

Claxton (hamstring) is questionable for Wednesday's game versus the Clippers, Sharif Phillips-Keaton of USA Today reports.

Claxton missed his first game since Nov. 27 on Tuesday versus Portland, but he's considered day-to-day. If Claxton is able to suit up Wednesday, Noah Clowney and Day'Ron Sharpe may not offers as much upside.

Lively (ankle) will not play Wednesday against the Pelicans.

This is an expected update from the Mavericks, but fantasy managers will have to wait for more clarity regarding the severity of his sprain -- it was previously reported that X-rays came back negative. With Lively out Wednesday, Daniel Gafford, Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell are candidates to see increased minutes.

Drummond (toe) will not play Wednesday against the Knicks.

Drummond will miss his sixth game in a row Wednesday, though he did begin on-court work this week. His next chance to play comes Saturday against the Pacers.