NBA Player News

Smart (forearm) is available for Friday's game against Dallas, Varun Shankar of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Smart will shed his questionable tag and return from a three-game stint on the sidelines due to a left forearm strain. He's averaging 7.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.0 steals in 24.0 minutes per game across two regular-season appearances.

Williams (knee) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Jazz.

Williams missed Thursday's game against the Grizzlies, but since the decision was precautionary, the upgrade to questionable suggests the veteran center has a chance to play Saturday. Williams is averaging 9.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, and if he's available, he should be the primary backup at center behind Donovan Clingan.

Youngblood (ankle) is questionable for Saturday's game against Utah.

Youngblood has yet to make his 2026-27 regular-season debut due to a left ankle injury. However, his potential absence wouldn't affect the rotation.

Wade will start Friday's game against the Knicks, Noah Levick of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

With Jaylen Brown (knee) sidelined, Wade will get the starting nod for the third time in Philadelphia's last four games. In two starts this season, he's averaged 7.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 1.0 blocks in 32.5 minutes per game.

Nembhard (neck) is listed as available for Friday's game against Miami.

Nembhard has been plagued by neck stiffness. He didn't play in Monday's meeting with the Bucks but was back on the floor for Wednesday's 114-109 loss to the 76ers. The 26-year-old has played well in his four regular-season appearances in 2026-27, averaging 16.5 points, 7.8 assists and 2.0 rebounds across 32.8 minutes per contest. With Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) sidelined for at least a couple of weeks, Nembhard may continue to see more scoring opportunities than usual.

Toppin (back) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Miami.

Toppin was a late addition to the injury report before being ruled out due to lower-back soreness. His next chance to play will come Sunday against Brooklyn. In the meantime, Jarace Walker and Jalen Slawson are candidates for increased playing time.

Nesmith (hamstring) is available to play in Friday's game against Miami.

Nesmith has been battling a hamstring injury. He didn't suit up for the 123-120 loss to New Orleans on Opening Night but has been on the floor for Indiana's last four regular-season games. The 2020 No. 14 overall pick may continue to operate under a minutes restriction, though he logged a season-high 27 minutes in Wednesday's 114-109 loss to Philadelphia.

Hachimura (quadriceps) is avalable to play in Friday's game against Minnesota, Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com reports.

Hachimura didn't play in Wednesday's 103-87 loss to the Lakers. He was upgraded to probable Friday but has since been cleared to suit up versus the Timberwolves. With Hachimura available and returning to the starting lineup, Kobe Sanders will presumably retreat to the bench.

Sengun (back) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Mavericks, Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Sengun will miss a second consecutive contest due to lower-back soreness, opening up additional minutes in the frontcourt for Tari Eason and Clint Capela. Sengun's next chance to play will come Saturday against the Thunder in the second leg of this back-to-back set.

Smart (forearm) is expected to play in Friday's game against the Mavericks, Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Smart is on the cusp of ending a three-game absence with a forearm strain. He should play a bigger role with Reed Sheppard (back) out of the lineup Friday.