NBA Player News

Towns (undisclosed) has returned to Wednesday's game against the Jazz.

Towns left Wednesday's contest in the first quarter for unknown reasons, but he's been cleared to retake the floor to start the second period. The star big man shouldn't be under any restrictions the rest of the way.

Towns went back to the locker room in the first quarter of Wednesday's game against Utah for undisclosed reasons, Steve Popper of Newsday reports.

Towns checked out at the 6:16 mark of the first quarter and was escorted to the locker room by trainers. While Towns is sidelined, look for Mitchell Robinson and Mohamed Diawara to see more action.

Hayes will start Wednesday versus the Hornets, Brenden Nunes of KHTK Sactown Sports 1140 reports.

Hayes is getting the start with Russell Westbrook (quad) unavailable, and he'll be joined in the first unit by DeMar DeRozan, Nique Clifford, Precious Achiuwa and Maxime Raynaud. Hayes is capable of racking up dimes and defensive stats when given the minutes, so he's worth a look as a streamer for managers who need help in those categories.

Dosunmu (thumb) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game versus the Clippers, Chris Hine of the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Dosunmu will skip the second leg of this back-to-back set with a sprained thumb, and for now, he should be considered questionable for Friday's game against the Warriors. Mike Conley, Bones Hyland and Jaylen Clark will help pick up the slack in Dosunmu's absence.

Johnson (back) will play in Wednesday's game against Houston.

Johnson has been upgraded from probable to available for the opening leg of the Nuggets' back-to-back set after dealing with back spasms. He's been limited to 22 and 23 minutes, respectively, over his last two appearances due to the back injury and a previous ankle issue.

Murray (ankle) is available for Wednesday's game against the Rockets.

Murray was initially listed as probable for the contest, so his availability doesn't come as much of a surprise. The point guard has been dealing with a left ankle sprain recently. Murray is averaging 25.4 points, 7.2 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game this season.

Kalkbrenner (illness) is listed as available for Wednesday's game against Sacramento.

Kalkbrenner was added to the injury report Wednesday evening due to an illness, but the rookie center has been upgraded to available for the contest. In his last eight appearances, Kalkbrenner is averaging 5.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks over 16.1 minutes.

Nuggets head coach David Adelman said Wednesday that Watson (hamstring) could be cleared to return to action at some point next week, Vic Lombardi of Altitude Sports reports.

Given Adelman's comments, Watson -- who had already been ruled out for Wednesday's game against Houston -- will likely be sidelined for at least two more games beyond that. According to Adelman, Watson has healed from the right hamstring strain that has kept him out of action since Feb. 7, and the forward's next step is to get reconditioned. Watson had been in the midst of a breakout season prior to getting hurt, appearing in 49 games and shooting 49.6 percent from the field and 41.7 percent from downtown while averaging 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.5 triples, 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steals in 30.7 minutes.

Shamet is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's matchup with the Jazz, Steve Popper of Newsday reports.

Shamet is getting a spot start with Josh Hart (knee) unavailable. Over nine starts this season, Shamet has posted averages of 9.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.9 triples per contest on 41/36/74 shooting splits.

Smart is doubtful to play Thursday against the Bulls due to a right hip contusion, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.

Smart's minutes figure to be divvied up amongst Luke Kennard, Dalton Knecht and Kobe Bufkin. Check back for official confirmation on Smart's status closer to Thursday's tip.