NBA Player News

Porter (coach's decision) went unused off the bench Wednesday in the Cavaliers' 128-122 loss to the Magic.

Porter failed to see any playing time for the first time since Feb. 22, ending a stretch of seven consecutive appearances in which he averaged 3.3 points, 4.1 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 0.6 steals in 16.6 minutes per contest. The third-year guard had been able to maintain a spot on the second unit while the Cavaliers were without some key contributors, but Porter could find himself out of the rotation more often than not moving forward now that James Harden, Donovan Mitchell and Dean Wade have all returned to action following recent multi-game absences.

Poeltl contributed eight points (4-7 FG), five rebounds and three blocks in 30 minutes during Wednesday's 122-111 loss to the Pelicans.

Poeltl had minimal production offensively in his return from a one-game absence due to an illness, but he contributed defensively with a game-high three blocks that also tied a season high. Since returning from an extended absence due to a back strain, Poeltl has averaged 10.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steals over 26.1 minutes per game.

Barnes provided nine points (4-14 FG, 1-6 3Pt), six rebounds, four assists, one block and three steals in 36 minutes during Wednesday's 122-111 loss to the Pelicans.

It was a tough performance offensively for Barnes, who failed to score in the second half while missing all seven of his field-goal attempts (including three attempts from beyond the arc). He contributed defensively with four stocks, and Wednesday was the 11th time this season he recorded at least three steals. Since the All-Star break, Barnes has averaged 15.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.0 threes, 1.9 steals and 1.2 blocks over 33.9 minutes per game.

Bona (back) is out for Thursday's game against the Pistons.

Bona was unable to shake his questionable tag for this contest and will join Joel Embiid (oblique) on the shelf. Andre Drummond (back) is questionable, so the 76ers may need guys like Dominick Barlow and Trendon Watford to step up.

Drummond is listed questionable for Thursday's game against the Pistons due to back spasms.

Drummond was a late addition to the 76ers' injury report, which suggests his back may have bothered him upon waking up Thursday or presented problems for him during pregame shootaround. Though he's come off the bench over the Sixers' last four games during Joel Embiid's (oblique) ongoing absence, Drummond will likely start Thursday if he's able to overcome the back injury, as Philadelphia has downgraded Adem Bona (back) to out for the contest. Clarity on Drummond's status should arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the game's 7 p.m. ET tipoff.

LeVert (wrist) is out for Thursday's game against the 76ers.

LeVert will be sidelined for a third straight game Thursday. For now, it remains unclear if LeVert will be able to return for Friday's game against the Grizzlies. With Ausar Thompson (ankle) also banged up, Marcus Sasser and Daniss Jenkins have been playing important minutes.

Pedulla (hamstring) recorded six points (2-4 FG, 2-4 3Pt), three assists and one rebound across six minutes Wednesday in the Clippers' 153-128 win over the Timberwolves.

One of the Clippers' two-way players, Pedulla hadn't made any appearances in the G League since Feb. 25 due to a right hamstring injury, but he ended up returning to action with the parent club in what was his NBA debut. The undrafted guard out of Ole Miss didn't check into the game until the Clippers already had the win well in hand, and Pedulla is unlikely to emerge as a rotation player at the NBA level at any point during his rookie season.

Jones notched 16 points (6-9 FG, 4-6 3Pt), two rebounds, one assist and one steal in 36 minutes during Wednesday's 122-111 win over Toronto.

Jones put together a solid line and was on fire from beyond the arc. Overall, he's been a hit-or-miss fantasy asset this season with averages of 9.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.4 three-pointers on 38.9 percent shooting.

Murray supplied 27 points (12-20 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 1-2 FT), five rebounds, six assists and two steals in 31 minutes during Wednesday's 122-111 victory over the Raptors.

The Pelicans improved to 22-45 behind this big effort from Murray. He's looked sharp since his return to the lineup, posting averages of 17.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.3 three-pointers in 26.5 minutes per contest.

Shead finished with nine points (3-7 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 1-1 FT), one rebound and three assists over 20 minutes during Wednesday's 122-111 loss to the Pelicans.

Shead continues to play a sizable role for the second unit, but his fantasy appeal remains limited to deeper formats. Over his last six games, he's averaging 4.0 points, 2.8 assists, 1.8 rebounds and 0.5 three-pointers in 19.3 minutes per contest.