NBA Player News

Porter finished with eight points (3-4 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-1 FT), two rebounds and nine assists in 22 minutes during Wednesday's 118-116 loss to the Bucks.

Porter capitalized on the absences of Donovan Mitchell (groin) and James Harden (thumb), handing out a team-high nine dimes off the bench. However, Wednesday marked just the second time Porter has appeared in Cleveland's last four outings, putting him at risk of falling out of the rotation altogether once the Cavaliers' dynamic backcourt duo is back healthy.

Ellis contributed 14 points (5-9 FG, 4-8 3Pt), four rebounds, three assists, one block and two steals over 29 minutes during Wednesday's 118-116 loss to the Bucks.

Ellis took advantage of the absences of Donovan Mitchell (groin) and James Harden (thumb). Ellis is carving out a more stable role in Cleveland than he was in Sacramento, averaging 6.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.0 blocks in 21.6 minutes per contest in nine games for the Cavaliers.

Dick (coach's decision) went unused off the bench Wednesday in the Raptors' 110-107 loss to the Spurs.

Dick had appeared in each of the Raptors' first 58 games of the season, but after he was held under 10 minutes in two of the previous three contests, he was dropped from the rotation entirely. Rather than sticking with Dick on the second unit, head coach Darko Rajakovic went with Jamison Battle (six minutes) as the 10th man in the rotation. While Dick's removal from the rotation could prove to be a short-term arrangement, the Raptors still aren't expected to make the third-year wing a major priority when the team is at full strength.

Monk has right ankle soreness and is questionable for Thursday's game against Dallas.

Thursday's game is the second leg of a back-to-back set, so the Kings may proceed with caution. Russell Westbrook (thigh) is also out, meaning Nique Clifford and Devin Carter could see expanded run.

Murray is out for Thursday's game against Dallas with a sprained left ankle.

Murray re-aggravated the injury during Wednesday's game against the Rockets, and he recently missed 20 games with the sprain. The sharpshooter can be considered day-to-day until the team offers an update on his status. His absence allows Daeqwon Plowden and Patrick Baldwin to play more minutes for the depleted Kings.

Clingan is questionable for Thursday's game against the Bulls due to an illness.

Clingan was a late addition to the injury report, and that's not a great sign for his availability. Robert Williams (foot) is also questionable, so the Trail Blazers could be very thin up front. Meanwhile, rookie center Yang Hansen (back) is also questionable.

Westbrook is out for Thursday's game against Dallas with a bruised right thigh.

The veteran guard's next opportunity to play comes Sunday against the Lakers. With Westbrook sitting out Thursday, Nique Clifford and Devin Carter should both see a larger share of backcourt minutes.

Johnson has a left shoulder sprain and is questionable for Thursday's game against the Nets.

Johnson was a very late addition to the injury report for the second half of this back-to-back set. It's also possible the Spurs are eyeing a maintenance day for the veteran. If Johnson can't go, the Spurs may lean more on Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant.

Castle is questionable for Thursday's game against the Nets due to left hip flexor tightness.

Thursday is the second part of San Antonio's back-to-back, which could influence the team's decision on Castle's availability. If the second-year guard is ultimately downgraded to out, Dylan Harper and Devin Vassell would likely be tasked with extra playmaking responsibilities.

Plumlee (reconditioning) is out for Thursday's game against the Nets.

Once Plumlee gets the green light to suit up, he's expected to be an emergency depth option at best. Fellow backup centers Kelly Olynyk and Bismack Biyombo hardly see the floor when Victor Wembanyama and Luke Kornet are healthy.