NBA Player News

Mitchell will be in the starting lineup for Thursday's matchup with the Celtics, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports.

Mitchell will replace Isaiah Joe in the first unit for Thursday's game, and he'll be joined by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cason Wallace, Luguentz Dort and Chet Holmgren. Over nine starts this season, Mitchell has recorded averages of 16.6 points, 4.1 assists, 1.6 treys and 1.6 steals per contest.

Yabusele (foot) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Lakers, K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reports.

Yabusele was downgraded to doubtful earlier in the day, and he's now officially been ruled out with foot soreness. Nick Richards and Lachlan Olbrich should have a chance for more minutes in Yabusele's place.

George has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 hamstring strain and will be reassessed in two weeks, Tim Bontemps of ESPN.com reports.

George went down with a hamstring injury during Wednesday's game against the Trail Blazers, and it'll cost him at least another two weeks. Isaiah Collier figures to hold down the starting point guard job until George returns to health.

Joe will come off the bench for Thursday's game against the Celtics, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports.

Ajay Mitchell will replace Joe in the first unit for Thursday's game. As a reserve this season, Joe owns averages of 10.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 2.5 triples per contest.

Isaac won't return to Thursday's game versus the Wizards due to a left knee sprain, Dan Savage of the Magic's official site reports.

Isaac will end his evening with one rebound in one minute. He's going to continue to be evaluated, so for now, Isaac should be considered questionable for Saturday's game in Miami.

Kleber is expected to miss additional time while recovering from a lumbar injury, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.

Kleber has already been ruled out for Thursday's matchup against the Bulls, and it sounds as though he's line for at least a few more absences while he tends to a lumbar issue. The 34-year-old can be considered week-to-week until the Lakers have a concrete timetable to share.

Isaac went to the locker room during the third quarter of Thursday's game against the Wizards due to an undisclosed injury, Cody Taylor of USA Today reports.

Isaac landed awkwardly on an alley-oop attempt, and he stayed down temporarily before walking back to the locker room to get checked out. He can be considered questionable to return until further notice.

Kornet will start Thursday versus the Nuggets.

Kornet is getting the start with Victor Wembanyama (ankle) unavailable, and he'll be joined in the first unit by De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell and Julian Champagnie. As a starter this season, Kornet has posted averages of 8.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 blocks per contest.

Jones will start Thursday's game against the Spurs.

Jones will make his first start since Feb. 4, as the Nuggets ask him to fill in for Aaron Gordon (hamstring) Thursday evening. Jones has offered up limited contributions lately and has scored in double figures only once in his last 12 outings (four starts).

Waters (illness) is available for Thursday's game versus the Nuggets, Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News reports.

Waters is back after a one-game absence, so he should see his usual limited minutes off the bench Thursday evening. Waters is averaging 2.1 points per game on 37.9 percent shooting this season.